People living around the globe work differently for their daily upkeep. Some work in the formal sector and others in the informal sector. Some businesses in Lawra which form part of the informal sector were not spared by COVID-19. Both women and men in business suffered in various ways.
Mary is a weaver from Bagri, whose business was recently granted this year. She is now in a ‘lockdown’ of her business. She indicated that, there are no more parties, weddings, funerals and other activities going on. People use to buy cloth from her for these activities which do not happen again due to the ban on public gathering.
She had a customer from Burkina Faso buying from her but COVID-19 arrested that one too. ‘’COVID-19 did not have mercy on me’’. Mary said. She tells us she has not made profit since April. She is heavily pregnant and cannot do much coupled with the situation of the current global pandemic.
She has a daughter called Amima who went out to play with her friends and misplaced one of her slippers. Mary’s business is halted because of the current situation and she does not readily have money to buy Amima new slippers. The daughter has to manage with one slipper for some time.
Mary had only just started her business when COVID hit, and now finds herself in a difficult situation, with many family members to support and no income. To help people like Mary get their businesses back on track, donate to ATE’s Rebuild campaign and contribute to a small business recovery grant. Thriving businesses lift up communities.
Written by Nicholas Naawe, Hub Manager
Support ATE’s Rebuild Campaign here