Paper short abstract:

This paper presents findings from research conducted in Pakistan with microfinance users to examine the impact of Covid 19 on low income households, especially women. Furthermore, it presents evidence based strategies taken by MFIs to help low-income households cope with Covid 19 stresses.

Paper long abstract:

Covid 19 has impacted low-income households, especially women, disproportionately as a result of systemic factors that increase women's vulnerabilities to shocks and hazards. Globally, the recession resulting from Covid 19 has been named a 'she-cession'. In Pakistan, the impact of the recession has further been compounded by rising food inflation which also impacts low-income households more as they spend a greater proportion of their income on food related expenses. Kashf Foundation, Pakistan's premier women centric microfinance institution, has undertaken a series of surveys with its clients on the impact of the Covid linked recession and rising food prices. Findings from these researches, that have been analyzed using statistical techniques, are presented in this paper. The paper further highlights the actions taken by microfinance institutions globally, and Kashf Foundation in particular, to empower their clients to better cope with the effects of the recession caused by Covid 19 lockdowns.