How SEWA Livelihood initiative in Kerala supported women through the pandemic
The Hindu
SEWA opened food counters and a food cart to support women who lost their means of livelihood due to the pandemic
Working hours start at 3 pm for Arannya MK, who reaches home by around 10 pm. The 28-year-old manages a food cart selling momos and cutlets along the Kowdiar-Kuravankonam road in Thiruvananthapuram. The cart was opened last November by Shop SEWA Livelihood, an initiative of the Kerala chapter of SEWA (Self Employed Women’s Association), the national union of women workers from the unorganised sector in the country.
“In spite of being a post graduate and a sportsperson, I couldn’t find a job. When I got this opportunity, I didn’t want to let it go. I earn a steady income now. There are many food trucks along this road but this is the only one run by women. Those who stop by do appreciate that and say encouraging words,” says Arannya. Staff with SEWA, all of them women, take turns to be with her till the cart is closed by around 8.30 pm.
The Kerala capital also has two Shop SEWA Livelihood food counters — at Uppalam road near Statue junction and at TRIDA shopping complex, Medical College. The third Livelihood counter was opened in Kottayam last August.