Diskarte, inequality, and resilience: Exploring rural Filipino women’s lived experiences and struggles during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic exposed entrenched social inequalities, disproportionately impacting marginalized populations. In the rural regions of the Philippines, where economic instability and limited employment opportunities have long been longstanding challenges, the crisis exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. This study examines the lived experiences of rural women during the pandemic, highlighting how it impacted their daily hardships and the coping strategies they employed. Employing qualitative research methods, specifically in-depth interviews and thematic analysis - five key themes emerged from the data which includes: (a) Life Before the Pandemic, illustrating pre-existing economic and social challenges; (b) Economic Struggles, detailing income instability and financial distress; (c) Health Challenges and Mortality, emphasizing barriers to medical care and mental well-being; (d) Inadequate Government Support, exposing gaps in aid distribution and service delivery; and (e) Resilience of Rural Women, showcasing their “diskarte” (adaptive strategies) in sustaining their families through informal livelihoods. Findings reveal systemic failures in government intervention, leaving communities unprepared to handle the crisis. Despite this, rural women played a pivotal role in the survival of their households, adapting through microenterprises and alternative income sources. Their resilience was not just a response to hardship but a demonstration of self-reliance in the face of institutional neglect. This study highlights the pressing need for policy reforms that enhance social protection, bolster local economies, and ensure equitable access to healthcare. Recognizing and investing in the agency of rural women is crucial to fostering long-term community resilience in the face of future crises.