COVID-19 has had ripple effects that at some point may be deemed more catastrophic than the epidemic itself. This includes socio-economic, health, psycho-social, and even increased Gender-based violence effects. Evidently, it has had a disproportionate retrogressive effect on women; their economic health, employment statuses, sexual and reproductive health matters, psychological issues among other effects.
YAWI response:

1) Provide food care packages YAWI together with the local community health mobilizers (C.H.M) and community health volunteers (C.H. Vs) to identify the needy households while targeting the female-headed households, those with already pre-existing conditions, people living with disability, and any other most vulnerable households.

2) Provide hygiene package (water tanks, soap, disinfectants, etc.) as a means of curbing the spread of coronavirus. Safe water, sanitation, and hygienic conditions are essential for protecting human health during all infectious disease outbreaks, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provision of domestic water for hand washing and other preventative measures is key. In addition, provision of dignity kits (panties, sanitary towels, bar soaps, disinfectants(JIK)) for to women and girls in informal settlement who are not able to afford them due to economic crisis as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. The dignity kits will come in handy to support menstrual hygiene while concurrently supporting the regular washing of hands

3) Capacity building: YAWI in partnership with the ministry of health (M.o. H) enhance capacities of local community women leaders, CHVs on COVID-19 prevention measure, symptoms, and seeking information behavior with the aim of making them ambassadors and T.O. Ts within their localities. This addresses the apathy situation as well as changes the narrative by locals about COVID-19 infection and response, hence contributing to the national goal of flattening the COVID-19 in Kenya.

4) Provision of affordable face masks due to, inaccessibility, unavailability, and affordability of disposable masks, Through the already existing economic empowerment/skill development program run by YAWI, 100 women train on mass production and distribution of reusable mask at an affordable rate, to low-income earners who are unable to access and afford the non-reusable masks in the market. This way, addressing the high demand for these masks as well as address the economic challenges facing these vulnerable groups.

5) Psychosocial support: Development of a social media campaign on mental health targeting the general population, caregivers of children, persons in self-isolation, and workplaces to support employees with flexible work arrangements. Similarly, identifying and linking people who are stressed due to negative effects on their jobs, family income, etc. to psychosocial supporters in the ministry of public health.