As COVID-19 continues to ravage something the developed world, the effects are farther reaching in areas of Africa. According to Amina Abdulla, Concern Worldwide’s Country Director in Kenya, women are currently feeling extensive personal devastation in the wake of COVID-19,

Amina explains:

* Due to greater economic stress and social isolation the pandemic has worsened the already high prevalence of gender-based violence (GBV). The Council on Administration of Justice has reported a significant spike in sexual offences, including domestic violence, in many parts of the country after the implementation of COVID measures with GBV cases presented in the courts accounting for 40% of cases heard in the first 2 weeks of April. In the informal settlements of Nairobi, local partners are recorded a 68% increase in reported SGBV cases in the month of May.

* The lack of dignity kits for girls due to closure of schools is forcing them to adopt negative strategies to access these exposing them to abuse and violence. There are reports of girls engaging transactional sex to meet basic needs such as sanitary towels. All of these put girls at high risk of dropping out of schools even before schools reopen.

* Uncertainties arising from prolonged closures of schools have seen a resurgence of harmful practices against girls such as forced female genital mutilation and early marriage. Girls are also forced to contribute to household income by engaging labor and petty trade exposing them to sexual exploitation.

* The restrictions in place are a big barrier to vulnerable girl’s access to health and protection services. Closure of schools has left extremely poor households with more mouths to feed and the loss income of breadwinners has left these households exposed. Securing food is taking precedence over learning and safety of girls. There are increased reports of girls falling pregnant in the last 3 months with one county recording 4000 cases.