As country administrations slowly relax lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat to women and children’s health and safety remains. In fact, six months of varying lockdown measures could lead to 31-million more cases of gender-based violence, according to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
“Millions more women and girls now risk losing the ability to plan their families and protect their bodies and their health,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, UNFPA executive director. “Women’s reproductive health and rights must be safeguarded at all costs. The services must continue; the supplies must be delivered; and the vulnerable must be protected and supported.”
Although parts of the world are returning to a new “normal” the impact of the outbreak remains. Delays of programs to prevent violence and provide support and safe spaces, coupled with economic stress, could cause an estimated two-million more cases of female genital mutilation and 13 million more child marriages in 10 years, reports UNFPA.
At Children Believe, we’re keeping connected to communities we help. We’re sharing messages about preventing violence against women and children while providing psycho-social support.
To learn more about how you can help, visit childrenbelieve.ca/COVID.