Covid-19 no longer needs an introduction in our lives, its hit every corner of the globe leaving no stones unturned. The aftermath that came with it was way beyond belief. People started losing their jobs and sooner or later the economy will crash. We clearly understand that hunger was and will always be one of the many reasons of death, especially in third world countries. But, Covid19 made it a lot worst. The lockdown was imposed and people feared the outside world. People with roofs over their heads still managed somehow, but the question is what about the hand to mouth layman? Its things like these that draw the line among us humans and this is when the humanity in us needs to step in and join hands in combating hunger more than the disease.
NEN ever since inception has been trying its best to assist women in distress to uplift the social and economical status by conducting various awareness and outreach programmes. These activities are not only urban centric but mostly dealt with rural population also.
APPIs contribution has helped NEN to perform better in combating COVID-19. It has enabled us to provide basic necessities like dry ration to people in need, particularly women in the weaker section of society. Throughout this pandemic, in the past three months NEN has distributed dry rations to four districts in Meghalaya, namely, East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, Ri- Bhoi and South West Khasi Hills.
A total number of 282 Households with total of 1438 individuals has benefitted from the APPI contributions. These rations were distributed to identify women who are survivors of Domestic violence, single mothers and widows and most of them are domestic workers, daily wage earners and farmers.
Most of the women that benefitted from these contributions mostly belong to the BPL and do not possess even a ration card. With the support of the village headmen, it has enabled NEN to identify women who are in need of support and help during these trying times.
NENs engagement with ration distributions started from the month of June. The following are the dates of distribution to four districts:
This pandemic has brought a lot of unexpected challenged and struggles. We are grateful to APPI for lending their support in times of need and we still hope to work in helping women in the society when times are tough.
