Many women have established various small businesses i.e. traditional handicrafts, food, and packaging online that supported artisans in rural Karnataka. After quite some struggle, they had a decent number of orders and have been looking forward to advancing the manufacturing equipment and scale the effect of their business by offering chances to local talent.
COVID-19 Impact
But all of this ceased to exist in March 2020. There were severe restrictions applied on business and travel due to the pandemic and the eventual lockdown. Unfortunately, the new equipment being ordered could not be delivered and had no means to move their existing inventory.
This has made it unsure about the way they would continue to offer basic income to their employees/artisans and staff and was slowly losing their savings too. Additionally, lockdown also added the extra responsibilities of their families.
Lifestyle Changed
2020 declares as 25 years since the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action that was once declared as the most progressive blueprint for the advancement of women’s rights. Regardless of the years that have passed, this has become the reality of many working-class women, especially entrepreneurs, who had to adjust to considerable lifestyle changes in the face of the pandemic.
We all know that women are disproportionately affected during these crises. A huge percentage of health and social care workers are women and are in professions that are constantly on the frontline to battle against the pandemic. It has been proven historically that economic crises expand the existing inequalities for women around key occupations such as education, finances, and healthcare.
This story is from the December 2020 edition of Small Enterprise.
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This story is from the December 2020 edition of Small Enterprise.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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