BY JUDY ODHIAMBO
Since the outbreak of COVID19, Kenya has seen a huge increase in different forms of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). As the months dragged into more than a year now, the greater danger is the apparent normalization of these social ills as law enforcement reels from the overwhelming demand for justice.
The pandemic has exacerbated the cases intimate partner violence, sexual harassment, female genital mutilation (FGM), child marriage corresponding to school closures, as well as domestic and sexual abuse of women and girls.
Negative socio-economic impacts of the pandemic are threatening to reverse the hard-won gain in advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Most recently, the new containment measures in the western parts of Kenya have dealt a heavy blow on families and businesses and many Kenyans reported witnessing a rise of domestic violence in their communities.
Rising stress levels, strains on economic resources and isolations from support network further contribute to the increased risks of SGBV. The pandemic has limited access to essential services for survivors for GBV, such as health facilities, police stations and courts.
Health workers have been pulled out of institutions that provide services for survivors and resources have been reallocated to contain and respond to the direct health threats presented by COVID19.
Lockdowns also mean that medical services and support to people affected by SGBV may cut off or considered less important in health care structures which are over burdened by the COVID19 response.
Another fear is that SGBV survivors may also face difficulties accessing contraception for HIV and STIs prevention, especially in the event of sexual abuse and rape. Lack of timely treatment puts their health and life at risk.
It is essential that the national SGBV helpline (1195) be well resourced and help made available to all the women and girls to access it easily and through alternative channels such as WhatsApp and Text messages.
Access to commodities including emergency contraception or other contraception method and for medical services to be made available for all women to use at home.
Finally, the government must also recognize the fundamental human rights to access sexual and reproductive health care as outlined in Article 43 of the constitution. Reproductive healthcare remains essential for all especially the most vulnerable and marginalized.
Ms Odhiambo is a youth advocate at the Network for Adolescent and Youth of Africa (NAYA) Kenya
