PANDEMIC INEQUITY - Latinas and the COVID-19 Experience

Oct 15, 2026

Examines how COVID-19 reshaped economic stability, health outcomes, and social conditions for Latinas in the United States. Drawing on data from 41 interviews across states with substantial Latino communities, it highlights heightened exposure through frontline work, vulnerability in multigenerational living, and barriers faced by undocumented women. Accounts describe job loss, reduced hours, housing and food insecurity, and increased stress affecting mental health during the pandemic.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: COVID-19 and the Latina experience

Discussion

aauw org PANDEMIC INEQUITY Latinas and the COVID-19 Experience | Introduction | | | --- | --- | | | Latinas are also part of a community with some of the highest levels of COVID-19 infections and deaths.6 In fact, COVID-19 infections among pregnant Latinas account for well over half of all infections among pregnant women in the United States.7 This is driven in part by their over representation in frontline or “essential” work, which increases exposure to the virus.8 And because Latinas are more likely to live in close quarters or multigenerational households, they are more susceptible to a COVID-19 infection.9 Moreover, undocumented Latinas are barred from receiving government assistance.10
Notwithstanding the extreme hardship that many Latinas are experiencing, and despite making up 18% of the U.S. female population, Latinas are rarely at the center of public discourse or policy reform considerations. These voices are vital to crafting policy solutions that will truly meet the needs of those who are suffering as we strive to recover from the health and economic crises.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
COVID-19 and the Latina experience
This report surveys the economic, health and social impact of COVID-19 on Latinas from data gathered through 41 interviews. Latinas interviewed lived in states with significant Latino populations, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Texas and Virginia. We | 2 • [aauw.org](aauw.org) | engaged the assistance of nonprofit community organizations to help us identify Latinas in their respective communities, as well as to gain understanding of issues particular to an identified community. Occupations for those we interviewed varied and included homemakers, childcare providers, domestic housekeepers, farm workers, hospital house cleaners, small business owners, college faculty, teachers, school district administrators and medical professionals. The ages of Latinas interviewed ranged from
Understanding the experience of Latinasis vital to crafting policy solutions for a strong pandemic recovery. | | | | --- | --- | --- | | early-twenties to mid-fifties. At least half of the interviews were conducted in Spanish and translated to English. Many of the women requested anonymity, either because of their immigration status or because they feared employer retaliation.
The women we interviewed described their experiences throughout the pandemic and the impact COVID-19 had on their economic stability and health, as well as the extent to which it had exacerbated existing socioeconomic challenges. We found that all of the women we interviewed were affected by COVID-19, although to varying degrees. Some women were directly impacted, while others witnessed the impact the pandemic had on their community.
Low-wage earners, including undocumented women, experienced significant economic insecurity. Concern about not being able to keep their homes and provide for their families was a common theme. Half of the women had COVID-19 themselves, had family members who had the virus or lost family and friends | | due to the virus. Many of the women in frontline occupations described the added stress and impact on their health, including mental health, particularly when employers’ demands increased during the pandemic. Women small business owners suffered financially following the economic downturn, but at least in one case, the Paycheck Protection Program in the CARES Act provided a lifeline that saved her business. Those Latinas in professional roles described the challenges of working from home and balancing their responsibilities to their children and to their work. All women described the toll the pandemic had on their mental health or that of their children who were isolated at home due to school closures.
Importantly, this process provided these women a chance to share their experiences. Commonly, the initial trepidation about the interview gav

FAQs

What sources and approach does the report use to understand Latinas’ COVID-19 experiences?

The report surveys the economic, health, and social impact of COVID-19 on Latinas using data gathered through 41 interviews.

Why does the report describe Latinas as facing heightened COVID-19 risk?

It links increased exposure to overrepresentation in frontline or “essential” work and greater susceptibility due to close quarters and multigenerational households.

What economic effects does the report describe for women interviewed?

Many interviewees reported low-wage insecurity, job loss or reduced hours, and ongoing worry about paying rent and providing food for their families.

Oct 15, 2026

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