Women SHGs lead fight against Covid

NEW DELHI: Putting their tailoring skills to use, over two lakh village women associated with self-help groups (SHGs) across the country have been quietly steering the fight against Covid-19 by producing more than 10 crore masks since mid-March. Besides, over 4000 women in 12 states have also produced over 2 lakh pieces of protective gear for front-line Covid warriors.


This is reflected in data, updated by the rural development ministry, from state missions under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission.

On the directions of the state and district administration, these women have been producing a wide range of protective gear including aprons, gloves, caps, shoe covers, gowns and face-shields. For both masks and protective gear, the women are following the guidelines set out by the ministries of health and rural development.

Officials pointed that it has been clearly laid out that ‘protective gear’ should not be confused with personal protective equipment (PPEs), mostly used by doctors and health personnel dealing with Covid-19 patients.

The SHGs have also manufactured over 3 lakh litres of hand sanitiser and have been running community kitchen in various states. The RD ministry has released the first instalment of the central funds allocated under NLRM to the states to assist the SHGs.