Women working in the informal sector were the most vulnerable to the pandemic due to the lack of government support and a social security scheme: these are the main findings of a survey on “COVID-19 Impact on Women Working in the Informal Sector in Tunisia.”

The survey was conducted by the Tunisia Inclusive Labour Institute and the Global Fairness Initiative (GFI), in collaboration with local organisations. It involved women entrepreneurs and company owners in seven districts in central-western and northwestern regions.

Figures show 84% of self-employed women in the informal sector lost income and 71% had to get into debt as a result of the COVID-19 restrictions. Additionally, 47% of polled women said they had to work uninterruptedly throughout the pandemic despite health risks.

Respondents, it emerges from the survey, had no acccess to state aid during the general lockdown though they needed immediate cash assistance as well as financial support so as to safeguard and boost their business.

The pandemic was particularly challenging for informal female waste workers. In fact, 98% of them reported lower revenues due to health restrictions, 55% were subject to domestic violence and 91% said they had to work without interruption throughout the pandemic despite health risks.

The survey was also intended to serve as a tool to advance inclusive policy responses by means of providing needed data to secure a fair economic recovery for women working in the informal sector in Tunisia.

The recommendations of the survey mainly include better access to social welfare and the need to make sure informal workers are not deprived of their rights and have access to a more targeted support.

Source: TAP News Agency