The ManicaPost
Memory Matsikure
From ancient times, women and girls have been the most vulnerable group in times of crisis.
Yet being feminine does not equate to weakness.
In most communities worldwide, women and girls are marginalised in terms of upkeep, education, and other aspects of life, including decision making on important matters affecting their lives.
As a result, Covid-19 has had a huge bearing on this already unfortunate situation.
During times of unnerving disasters, women and girls are usually at the forefront, taking care of the families. According to the African culture, they are expected to carry out most of the household chores, including cooking, cleaning, washing dishes and laundry.
In most African households, these chores are done without protective clothing such as gloves, respirators and disinfections. This exposes women and girls to Covid-19 more than their male counterparts since the objects and surfaces they touch when carrying out their duties are also possible sources of the virus.
In cases where two or more families share a house, women and girls still have to carry out the famous “weekly duties” without any protective clothing. In the event that a family member gets sick, it is often the female figure who assumes the role of the care giver, again without any protective clothing in most cases.
Girls in child marriages are the most affected as they are expected to act like mature women. This is greatly exposing them to Covid-19 as they try to carry out tasks that are far above their level of capability and reasoning. They cannot question their husbands’ actions and decisions.
According to media reports, women and girls have been exposed to various forms of gender based violence during the ongoing national lockdown. Young girls and toddlers have been sexually abused by their neighbours and relatives while some women are being beaten for no reason.
It seems like the stay-at-home restrictions have exposed women and girls to increased control and abuse. Due to confinement with the abuser, abused women and girls may not seek help as they are threatened with being thrown out of their homes, withdrawal of financial benefits or more abuse.
Victims also cannot seek treatment if psychologically, physically or emotionally injured.
For those who are brave enough to venture out for help, abused women and girls may face hurdles in accessing health care as some service providers are demanding Covid-19 negative certificates before attending to patients. This is impacting negatively on women and girls’ mental and physical health.
With the normal education system disrupted due to Covid-19, the girl child might not get access to e-learning programmes in households where parents value the boy child’s needs more. While most parents are not aware of their attitude towards the girl child, the fact that more boys than girls have e-learning gadgets such as cell phones, tablets and laptops is an indication that gender equality is still a pipe dream in most households.
Protecting women and girls
Sexual and reproductive health rights and GBV programming should be prioritised in countering Covid-19. Abusers should be removed from the homes to protect victims.
Awareness campaigns must also be conducted through different channels. This will equip victims with information on how they can seek help.
Organisations should source PPE for the employees to ensure that they carry out their work in a safe and effective manner.
Providing economic support through community adapted social protection programmes for women and girls can also assist, as well as prioritising their safe and meaningful participation.
◆ Memory Matsikure is a community psychology intern
