Mujerave's Perspective on the Coronavirus in Guatemala
Mujerave understands that the global economy is suffering. The economic fallout from this virus is wreaking having on the economies of developed countries. However, Mujerave firmly believes that over time the coronavirus will disproportionately impact the world's poor, those who simply cannot afford to self-isolate for long periods of time or telecommute to jobs in the formal economy. Media outlets continue to point out that "Central America is home to a large, poor population with no options to work from home, take paid sick leave or observe social distancing rules because they work in the informal economy and live in crowded conditions." This is precisely the population Mujerave has been collaborating with since 2014 - rural Guatemalans who live in poverty or extreme poverty, are chronically malnourished, and already live with compromised immune systems.
Measures being taken in the developed world include direct payments to citizens to overcome financial difficulties resulting from loss of employment and economic activity. Some readers may need the forthcoming stimulus payments from the U.S. government, for example, to meet the needs of themselves and their families. For readers considering making donations with all or part of their stimulus checks, consider supporting Mujerave. Click here to donate.
Measures being taken in the developed world include direct payments to citizens to overcome financial difficulties resulting from loss of employment and economic activity. Some readers may need the forthcoming stimulus payments from the U.S. government, for example, to meet the needs of themselves and their families. For readers considering making donations with all or part of their stimulus checks, consider supporting Mujerave. Click here to donate.
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The New York Times suggests donating all or a portion of your stimulus check. Read the full article here. |
Similar payouts are being made in Guatemala. However, Mujerave understands that that these payments will be made through existing tax-related infrastructure and be deposited directly into individual's bank accounts. While we applaud the efforts of the Guatemalan government, Mujerave is seeking to support the population that is least likely to receive aid through this stimulus plan in Guatemala - many of the women and families Mujerave collaborates with in rural Guatemala have no formal employment, do not pay taxes, and do not use or maintain bank accounts.
Healthcare staff in Santa María Chiquimula, Guatemala.
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Lydia Lux, a Ministry of Health employee at the Medical Center in Santa María Chiquimula, is also a member of the Guatemalan Board of Directors for Mujerave. According to Lydia, "we don't have anything, no gloves, no masks, not even liquid soap or sanitizer. We see patients all day and return home to our families. We are living and working in fear."
Mujerave is carrying on our tradition of collaborating directly with women in rural areas to identify and meet emerging health-related needs. Click on the link below to help Mujerave provide basic medical supplies for Lydia and other frontline healthcare workers in rural Guatemala. |
Support Mujerave, support frontline healthcare workers in rural Guatemala. |
Mujerave's work would not be possible without the support of generous donors like you. We appreciate any support that you can offer during this global pandemic.
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