The impacts of crises are never gender-neutral, and COVID-19 is no exception.

For a single mother in Galle COVID-19 lockdown measures have paused her small business that brings food to the table.

For the domestic workers all over Sri Lanka the pandemic has meant no job and no unemployment benefits or other protection.

For countless women in economies of every size, along with losing income, unpaid care and domestic work burden has exploded.

While everyone is facing unprecedented challenges, women are bearing the brunt of the economic and social fallout of COVID-19 more

In many countries, women are losing their jobs. The pandemic and measures to prevent its spread are driving a disproportionate increase in women’s unemployment (as compared to men) and also decreasing their overall working time.

In Kalutara a single mother of five who sells vegetables at a local market, lost more than 50 per cent of her income as social distancing guidelines drastically reduced the number of people visiting the market.

by Zanita Careem

Q: What role do women play during this ceisis period?

A:

COVID-19 has been a distressing period for all of us.

More so for women who are breadwinners, business owners, working mothers and single parents.

As women have faced the brunt of the economic downturn and the challenges of managing a home during lockdown, they have to deal with multiple issues at the same time.

The small business owners – are economically impacted in many ways than one

Most women entrepreneurs today are small business owners – many manage it from their home. They have been impacted immensely. They have lost their livelihood and their income. They are left wondering how to pay rent, salaries and utilities as they stare at a lockdown and the spread of COVID-19.

Q: There are many research articles mentioning that domestic violence are faced by many women during lockdown. Is it true?

A:

The psychological impact of living with a troublesome spouse during lockdown was hard on women. The women had to live with the man throughout the day, They may have financial constaintsdue to sudden lockdowns. Consumption of alchohol by the man also adds misery to the household. A nagging wife or a nagging husband will always keep the house on fire.

They have had to endure verbal and physical suffering, often the result of men who are frustrated themselves with their inability to go out – or those who have consistently abused their wives long term.

Q: How will mothers and wives – deal with economic hardship

A:

Keeping the home fires burning has been the toughest task many women face during the COVID-19 lockdown. With grocery stores and supermarkets closed, their only way of buying essentials are online or from a mobile unit. Many do not have access to unlimited money or credit cards that must be utilized to buy essentials at a period like this.

Putting meals on the table under such conditions is a task that they find difficult during this time.

Q: Mental health needs-are not met during the lockdown –

A:

Many women are also impacted by mental health needs – they often suffer in silence and do not seek help. In Sri Lanka the social stigma among women is very strong and women suffer in silence

Depression, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders, phobias and other conditions can have an effect at a time that is distressful.

Q: Why the Women are so resilient, – they are survivors

A:

Many women are facing the difficulties but are determined to be able to overcome them. They are survivors. They almost always put others before them and are willing to go the extra mile to keep the children fed and the family needs met.

Q: How does this dreadful disease impact women at large?

A:

COVID-19 has tested the will and strength of women not just in Sri Lanka but all over the world.

Yet, women have been able to manage their families, their income and their needs during this difficult time.

Many have chosen to change their lifestyle during the COVID-19 period – having given up previous indulgences, choosing instead to go for simpler things in life, they have chosen to manage with what is available.

That has been a powerful human emotion driving women to enter into survival mode rather than make choices that might be critical at a time like this.

As women, we are able to overcome circumstances, often making choices for the greater good of our families and the society.

COVID- 19 is no exception – it is ideally a test that allows us to discover the best in us, the worst in us, value what little we have and be thankful for being able to be safe, taking care of our families.