The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the socio-economic vulnerability that women living in the Eastern Partner region and Central Asia face. Domestic violence has increased dramatically; women have taken on more unpaid work; remittance flows to households have fallen; and women have been particularly affected in the labour market, because they are disproportionately employed in some of the hardest-hit sectors, especially those with high levels of informality. Against this background, the COVID-19 pandemic could set progress towards gender parity in the region back 15 years, as gaps in pay, poverty, access to finance or digital opportunities widen. This note reflects on what we have seen since the pandemic began with respect to gender equality across the region and offers policy options for tackling them. It served as a basis for discussion at an OECD webinar in February 2021, which brought together policymakers, civil society, the development community and the private sector from OECD members and the Eurasia region. Participants discussed the main issues and options for supporting women and men across the region, drawing on OECD experience, in order to ensure that the recovery is equitable and inclusive. Government representatives from the region and members of the development community shared their experiences and insights, which are reflected in this note. Gender equality is not just a moral imperative, it is also critical to the creation of stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive economies. The OECD stands ready to provide further analysis for stronger gender policies and to support the implementation of the suggested recommendations.