SEATTLE, Washington — The global pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide. For those living in poverty, the risks are even higher. For women living in poverty, the effects of COVID-19 present problems that will impact their everyday lives. With this in mind, the outbreak of COVID-19 affects women’s abilities to continue working, driving them further into poverty. Fortunately, there are organizations whose mission is to provide hope. ActionAid is a non-profit based in the U.K. whose mission is to aid women in poverty. ActionAid during COVID-19 is focusing on the effects on women and girls.
According to studies, the majority of people living in poverty are women. In fact, females make up 60% of chronically hungry people. Several factors contribute to this, such as women are paid lower wages. In fact, women around the world make an average of 24% less than men. Decent work is also challenging to find and women spend more time caring for their homes and families.
What is ActionAid?
ActionAid wants to provide resources, implement programs and give aid to women and girls in impoverished countries. The organization primarily works in Africa, South East Asia and Latin America with volunteers from around the world. It has three different areas of focus: violence against women and girls, women’s economic empowerment and women’s and girls’ rights in humanitarian crises. The ActionAid website states, three out of four women have experienced harassment in their lifetime. Every hour, at least five women die due to domestic violence. Furthermore, 70 million girls are married off before the age of 18 every year.
To help prevent these acts of abuse, ActionAid works with locals to bring awareness and provide funds to girls groups where leaders build up confidence. Economic empowerment allows for women to provide funds for their families and the opportunity to work decent hours. ActionAid focuses on providing education for girls and tackling injustice. When crisis strikes, ActionAid wants to make sure that women and girls are cared for. Its primary approach is to provide opportunities for leadership for women in their communities.
ActionAid During COVID-19
Many organizations worldwide have responded to the global pandemic by delivering aid to those in their communities. To think globally is to act globally and ActionAid is determined to provide for those in poverty. During the crisis, ActionAid is working in several different countries. ActionAid works closely with Africa, South East Asia and Latin America where women and girls are at risk. Some of the aid it provides involves creating food distribution centers, handing out quarantine equipment and health information. The organization continues to equip women to aid their communities. ActionAid provides relief and hopes to slow the spread of COVID-19.
ActionAid responds to crises and aid due to natural disasters, but it also has long term goals. Its main ways of doing this are through mobilization, advocating for change and being present for humanitarian action. These three strategies are how ActionAid during COVID-19 is helping women and girls and creating a way for them to have a better future.
– Brooke Young
Photo: Flickr