Gender Impact Studies Center (GISC) at Impact Policy Research Institute in association with GenDev Center for Research and Innovation conducted a Rural Telephonic Time Use Survey Study - Life in the Era of COVID-19: Impact on Women-VillageMakers and Future Prospects. Here VillageMakers refers to rural women who are involved in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors in villages and yet their efforts are not considered as work. Though, they contribute most to the development of villages. 

Objectives of the Study

The objective of the study was to gather insights on the various aspects pertaining to living conditions, having an impact on VillageMakers- Background Information, Assets, Facility Access, Ownership, Work, Gender Differences, Health and Hygiene, Government Welfare Schemes, Hope, Aspirations, Challenges and Future Prospects.

Implementation of the Study 

With the help of faculties and placement coordinators from prominent and prestigious higher education and research institutions, the study team received more than 200 applications from which 55 bright student volunteers were selected as investigators. These young minds led the study through online and telephonic surveys and consultations (in a randomized fashion), gathering the contact details of the potential respondents in their neighbourhoods (snowballing method) with the support of local NGOs, community leaders, teachers, and active citizenry. 

The study is led by Prof Govind Kelkar and key team members include Dr Indu Prakash Singh, Prof Balwant Singh Mehta, Prof Utpal K De, Dr Soumyadip Chattopadhyay, Dr Nitin Tagade, Dr Simi Mehta, Dr Manorama Bakshi, Ms Renuka Kad, Dr Reena Kumari, IMPRI Team and Associates.

The survey started on July 17, 2020 and ended on August 7, 2020.