The economic recession disproportionately hurt women. How can they bounce back?

Since the pandemic began, the resulting economic recession has cost women more jobs than men. Layoffs affected more women, and women also left jobs at higher rates, often in order to care for children or relatives at home.

Many lost career opportunities when industries like retail and hospitality, where women are a disproportionate share of the workforce, largely shut down to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

With President Joe Biden directing states to make all adults eligible to for the COVID-19 vaccine by May, job hiring could be on the rebound. But women who have exited the workforce face an array of added hurdles that could make it harder for them to return to work.

"It's a real issue in terms of not only thinking about equality in the workplace but also making sure that we have access to all the best talent.," says Dr. Sian Beilock, a cognitive scientist and president of Barnard College in New York City.

Beilock spoke with economic opportunities reporter Charisse Jones on the '5 Things' podcast about how lawmakers and employers can help women bounce back from the current economic recession.

Hear that conversation by clicking 'play' below.

Listen to the '5 Things' podcast for more in-depth conversations on the biggest news stories. You can listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts.