Lockdown has changed the world’s view towards the things that were once ‘normal’. Walking on the streets without a mask is not acceptable anymore. And for women this ‘cover yourself’ has taken on a whole new dimension.

A 21-year-old girl (who does not wish  to be named) had fought with her parents to allow her to complete her masters before she got married. The two years of masters before marriage were her only hope to enjoy life away from parents and live on her own. But with the virus and lockdown, her parents have decided to postpone her masters till after her marriage. Her parents don’t want to lose anymore time since no one knows when colleges will open again. Women like her who were finally succeeding in their struggles against the patriarchal world around them are now being pulled back to square one.

Women are not just worried about protecting themselves from the virus but also about saving their dreams, which seem quite distant now.

Manasvi, a 45-year-old woman has been experiencing anxiety attacks. She is a single mother staying in India, away from her son who lives in the US. The thought of not being able to meet her son ever again has been keeping her awake and troubled. Her other source of strength is her brother who though is in the same city is a patient of asthma. Manasvi keeps herself away from her brother these days since he is in isolation locked inside his house. Manasvi feels isolated, lonely, unsure and is extremely worried about her future and her son’s. Loneliness is a feeling that has become the new normal. We are all slowly but steadily accepting the fact that we are on our own. Everyone is treating it as a part of the new life that has come with the lockdown but it is difficult for many individuals to adjust to.

A woman based in Mumbai is struggling with extreme competitive behaviours from her men colleagues while working from home. This new normal of working from home has resulted in increased levels of stress and less concentration on both family and work. With the economic downfall and the spike in unemployment rates, everyone has become more competitive in order to safeguard their jobs. This struggle by women of working longer hours in order to keep their jobs is another example of the increasing amount of stress and affliction that they are experiencing while trying to battle it out with the new normal - working from home!

Though the COVID pandemic has definitely stirred up things for women and not necessarily in a pleasant way, they must learn to battle it out and come out winners on the other end.  

Stick to your plans. You may require better organization, more efficiency but work on it. When working from home, stipulate time lines for chores. Keep networking with colleagues to stay in the  loop.

Find alternatives. If a course you planned to attend has  been postponed, find alternatives. Most colleges are starting with online classes. Enrol for the same.

Stay connected with your pillars of strength through technology support--chats, videos calls, messaging. Reach out to people.

Though the above solutions may or may not work depending on different individuals, if the feelings of being overwhelmed, troubled or anxious continue, consult with a professional or a counsellor.