Corona virus: impact on precarious women homeworkers in South Asia

The Coronavirus pandemic has brought the world to a grinding halt.

Our partners in South Asia are reporting a very difficult situation, as the potential impact of the virus on people living on very low incomes and in overcrowded accommodation is compounded by the economic consequences of the virus and of government responses.

As the Clean Clothes Campaign is documenting, the slowdown in China has meant that many international brands were already cancelling their orders, leading to factory closures, unpaid wages and unemployment. Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable, as once they lose their work, many have no option but to set out on foot to return to their home villages.

Homeworkers are facing challenging situations, as much of their work too has come to a standstill. As they are employed informally they are rarely covered by social security schemes, leaving them with no income or access to health care, facing hunger and destitution. 

HWW is currently discussing with our partners in South Asia to understand more about how best we can support their response to the crisis, but in the meantime, you can read more about homeworkers’ situation in this report by our partners Homenet South Asia.