Voices from the Frontline of Covid-19

Communities around the world are facing multiple shocks and stresses. Covid-19 and its economic fallout have frequently collided with the impacts of climate change. The challenges are great in low-income communities and informal settlements, where development infrastructure and services were already weak before the pandemic hit. People have self-organised to help themselves. Women’s and young people’s leadership has been outstanding. They have drawn on and strengthened existing social relationships, information networks, group savings, markets and income-generating opportunities – and they have created new ones. They have articulated clearly how they would like to partner with governments and external actors to improve their situation. They have expressed their needs, and what they have to offer. This story weaves the 50 stories and hundreds of contributing ‘Voices from the Frontline’ together into a call for change.