The spike in the number of COVID-19 cases around the world has created a global shortage of sanitisers, soaps, and masks. Hoarding of these now essential goods has also made it difficult to access for those most in need.

Medical professionals, including ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), have stated that people who are at home, practicing social distancing, and not interacting with others, do not need to use masks. However, in informal settlements where space is limited and population density is high, taking this precaution is critical to ensure safety. Congestion in these settlements leads to continuous contact with multiple people, and the use of masks is vital to prevent the contraction of this contagious virus.

Unfortunately, the residents of these colonies are also the least likely to have access to masks. To assuage the fears of their community, many of our CAG (Community Action Group) leaders in different cities have begun distributing masks for free among residents. These masks are designed as the first line of defense for community members stepping out to access common services such as community toilets, water tankers or ration shops. MHT is providing financial support in the form of payment for every mask produced and distributed in these colonies.

Ahmedabad’s Pushpaben, for example, stitched and distributed 30 masks in her community of Dhal ni Pol. It’s important to remember that for these community leaders, making masks and distributing them is a critical source of income in this time of financial uncertainty when most have lost their livelihood.

A poignant incident from Gandhi Nagar, Sector 5, Bhopal, illustrates the commitment of our leaders. A death in the informal settlement led to several residents gathering to pay their respects. When Fehmida, a CAG leader, heard about the tragedy, she immediately reached the site. She, along with other MHT leaders, had already been active in making masks for the community. Fehmida reached out to the mourners and distributed the masks among them to ensure that they were protected even during this difficult and emotional time. In another case, community leader Zareena of Sawda Ghevra JJ Colony, Delhi, found out about the demand for OT coats and masks from nearby clinics and hospitals. A home-based worker who was earlier producing clothes for the community, Zareena felt the need to put her skills to use during this crisis. She brought together some of the other CAG members and supplied the required coats and masks to them. They even went a step further and produced an additional 50 masks to distribute around the community for free.Women from 7 slums across Jaipur have been making sanitised cotton masks and distributing them to the residents of their colonies. A total of 425 masks have been distributed till 31st March.

MHT is providing sanitation kits to in all cities where it has a presence, and every kit includes a mask that has been made by our women leaders. These women are using the resources available to them so that they can protect and serve their communities, as true leaders do.

Blog Courtesy: Roshini Diwakar

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