By Yasmin McGough | Communications Intern
The COVID-19 pandemic caused economic hardship globally, with millions losing their jobs. The pandemic had a particularly detrimental impact on those living in extreme poverty. Families around the world were forced to make adjustments as their livelihoods were threatened.
Ayesha, a young mother, lives in a slum neighborhood in Bangladesh and is the primary breadwinner of her household. But in May 2020, Ayesha lost her job as a maid due to the national COVID lockdown, making it difficult for her to afford food for her family.
Because of the financial strain Ayesha was experiencing, she was also struggling to buy the masks that she needed whenever she left the house.
“I was using a one-time surgical mask that I bought from a shop for 10 taka ($0.12 dollars). I used to wash it and reuse it as I did not have enough money to buy a new mask every day.”
BRAC began contracting local artisans to produce reusable masks in January 2021, and distributed them to over 18,000 people, including Ayesha. She received a package of three masks, which contained instructions on wearing and washing them properly. Now, Ayesha has a new job as a maid, and she wears her masks to work and at the market.
BRAC is helping vulnerable families like Ayesha’s respond to the impacts of COVID-19 around the world. We are grateful for your support, which ensures that BRAC can deliver emergency support to affected communities and boost long-term resilience to help families build back better.
Read more about BRAC’s response to COVID-19.
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