The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women in the Informal Sector in Southern Africa: A Case Study of Lesotho
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women in the Informal Sector in Southern Africa: A Case Study of Lesotho

Summary/Abstract: Originating from Huan Province in China in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic, which is raging throughout the whole world, has disproportionately impacted on women in the informal sector in Southern Africa. Adding more burdens to the triple jeopardy of exploitation by patriarchy, capitalism and the state that these women already endure, the lockdown measures meant to curb the spread of the pandemic have been economically, politically, socially and psychologically negative. The pandemic has also exposed the weaknesses of the global economic system, the production and distribution system as well as consumption patterns. The alarmist responses adopted by panicky authorities have amplified the impacts of the pandemic and worsened the plight of women in the informal sector. This paper identifies some of the major challenges that the Coronavirus has presented to women in the informal sector as well as their coping strategies. The paper posits that the pandemic, although devastating in many ways, presents an opportunity to re-organize society by rethinking and revaluating our core values and practices. It concludes by suggesting policy options to mitigate the impact of the pandemic while allowing the informal sector to thrive.

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