Single Mothers with Multiple Role in the Midst of Pandemic

Until now, IDEP had distributed 110 Family Buckets to single mothers in Bali. Twelve of them are mothers from Tianyar, Karangasem. Family Bucket at least can fulfill family needs for a month. Because bucket contains healthy food, groceries, sanitary equipment, school supplies, and organic seeds. In this distribution, IDEP was assisted by the local NGO East Bali Poverty Project to support the progress of families in remote areas of Tianyar.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced families to think about alternative ways to put food on the table. Many have taken on multiple roles to take care of their children—trying to be both a mother and a father, even though incomes are not what they used to be.

Nando (IDEP team) gives some information about Family Bucket to beneficiaries, Sunday, August 2, 2021 (Photo: Gusti Diah)

Family Bucket distribution comes to secluded places assisted by the East Bali Poverty Project (Photo: Gusti Diah)

Nadisari is one of the Family Bucket beneficiaries who lost her job after the COVID-19 pandemic hit Indonesia . Two years ago, Nadisari and her husband could fulfill family needs and send their children to school. But not long after, her husband passed away from cancer. "After the surgery, he lost a lot of weight, and not more than eight-months later he died. We just made the best effort, but.." Nadisari was silent for a few seconds.

Family Bucket distribution to Nadisari’s family (Photo: Gusti Diah)

After Nadisari's husband passed away, she worked hard in the capital city as a Spa servant. Even though it was not not easy, Nadisari was still able to send her children to school and support their needs. But then the challenge came again. After the collapse of the tourism sector, this 38-year-old woman was laid off because her workplace couldn't afford to pay her anymore. Nadisari returned home.

Nadisari’s children who are still in school (Photo: Gusti Diah)

In her hometown of Tianyar, Nadisari is only able to work odd jobs, and there is much uncertainty in this work. Despite this, Nadisari has still been able to send her children to school. Her children are already in high school, elementary school and just entered kindergarten this year. Sometimes help comes from their relatives. ​​"There is no permanent work here. It means that I don't have a fixed income, and sometimes help just comes from my friends," said Nadisari.

Of course, if everything was back to normal, Nadisari wishes to go back to work like before, but she has realised that she can’t wait forever. Nadisari hopes to build a small enterprise so that she can take care of her children.

Small enterprises were already run by another single mother, Nyoman Cukup before the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Even though her husband passed away because of liver cancer in 2019, Nyoman was still able to fulfill her family's needs. This mother of three spends most days in her small shop. Because the pandemic has affected almost all sectors, Nyoman's customers numbers have dropped.

Nyoman Cukup with her children (Photo: Gusti Diah)

Income has decreased and living costs have increased, especially since Nyoman's first child was also forced to stop working. "Just after graduating from school, he immediately worked in Denpasar, but for a year now his work has stopped because of the pandemic," said Nyoman Cukup, who stands with her children.

Nyoman has three children. Two of them are still in school. To meet the needs of the family, Nyoman must take on other jobs besides running her shop. In between her routine, Nyoman fulfills ketupat orders that come erratically.

Income from her shop and odd work help this 46-year-old woman to fulfill her family needs. Her oldest child is still looking for a job.

In a Family Bucket there are also organic seeds (Photo: Gusti Diah)

With a little help from a Family Bucket, Nadisari and Nyoman are supported to save their money. At least for the next month, they don't have to ask the question "what can we eat tomorrow?". Nadisari can begin to raise capital to start an enterprise, and Nyoman can save money for her children's school supplies.

Family Bucket distribution to other families (Photo: Sukadana)

In addition to Nadisari and Nyoman, many single mothers are still struggling to fulfill their family needs in the midst of an endless pandemic. Therefore, IDEP consistently distributes Family Buckets to mothers who are facing the challenge of fulfilling the roles of both a mother and a father for their family. Thanks to the continued sense of support, caring, and cooperation in our community, this aid distribution will continue. (Gd)