Lived Realities and Economic Contributions of Women: A Case Study in the Urban Poor Community of Manila North Cemetery

Abstract

Cemetery living has been present in the Philippines since the 1950s (The Guardian, 2018). These families live in old mausoleums and live on top of tombs. The presence of cemetery communities is evidence of the lack of support in rural areas and the inefficient housing policies in the country. Consequently, the role of women in the urban poor communities is explored alongside the phenomenon of cemetery living. Despite the profound contribution of women, they remain burdened. A mixed-method approach was adopted using both qualitative and quantitative methods. A feminist perspective was applied to narrate the women's lived experiences in Manila North Cemetery. Thematic analysis and one-sample T-test are used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis. Women in the cemetery are usually employed in the informal economy which is characterized by untenured work and the lack of social security. Women thus get rackets and sidelines to fill the income gap of the household especially since the expenses in the cemetery prove to be more expensive. Additionally, women have to balance the triple responsibilities of breadwinning, domestic chores, and childcare. This was further intensified by the pandemic which led to high unemployment rates. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the residents of the Manila North Cemetery was more evident in the financial and economic aspect rather than the health aspect. There are pandemic guidelines that have hindered the recovery of the informal businesses in the cemetery. In addition to the pandemic, the residents also had to deal with the state-perpetuated violence in the cemetery. There have also been struggles with availing of government support for housing programs for the poor. Women contribute significantly to the urban poor community within the household and the wider community. However, women experience unique struggles that hinder their development. The urban poor have the right to the city and included in this right is affordable housing, access to basic services, and the right to be heard.