As the Covid-19 pandemic continues to swell worldwide, so do its unique and disproportionate impacts on women. The truth is, hard-fought gains in gender equality are evaporating quickly as the world we left behind gives way to a reality that is fundamentally different. As nonprofit leaders, we must adapt our response and approach to advancing women's health, rights, safety and equality to reflect this new reality.

The pandemic was a stark reminder of the vagaries of supply and demand, and the workers that keep the engines humming. Why wasn’t personal protective gear arriving at our doors? What was holding up the hardware to help kids learn from home? And why was food insecurity blooming in even high-income countries?

One answer was global supply chains. Even small disruptions had the power to stop progress in its tracks. Production lines became front lines, providing essential food, clothing and technology while pressuring an already marginalized workforce.