Savings Groups and COVID-19

COVID-19 poses crucial health and economic risks for Savings Groups, as markets falter, mobility is restricted, and community gathering is restrained. As many members are women, they are likely to be primary caregivers during the health crisis, which puts them at special risk of additional burdens, as well as increased risk of intimate partner and sexual violence.

These recommendations will help organizations consider how best to support Savings Groups and their members during this crisis. They also address how to support Savings Groups as leaders of community-level response efforts and maintain safety nets. This guidance draws on experiences working with Savings Groups during times of crises including conflict, natural disasters and epidemics, such as Ebola.