As director of Population First, a social impact organisation that works for women empowerment, gender equality and community mobilisation, Dr AL Sharada is fully aware of the life-changing impact of education on women. But, as India battled two devastating Coronavirus waves, she admits that education and entitlement, played little or no role in easing the burden off women in households afflicted by the infection. Hers is the best example, she tells us over a call. “In April, my husband, 28-year-old son and I got infected with COVID-19. While my son was home quarantined, the two of us had to be hospitalised. We returned home 10 days later, but my husband, who had more severe symptoms, had not completely recovered. My son was also unable to help because of a bad back. Our home was in a mess; there was no food, as we stay in the outskirts of the city [Hyderabad],” recalls Sharada. Though the disease had taken a toll on all, Sharada, says she had no option, but to turn caregiver, as the other two were in no position to do anything. “During this time, I worked more than I ever had in my entire life—cleaning, cooking and washing, I did everything possible. Though I cooked protein-rich food, I never consumed it because I was tired and had no sense of taste or smell.”

Lack of adequate rest and nutrition in the early days of her recovery period, impacted Sharada’s health to such an extent that till date, “I don’t feel normal. I 
have extreme fatigue, joint pains and weakness.”