By Omolara Akintoye
Reports have shown that the highest proportion of girls and women that were sexually abused with the COVID-19 pandemic were female respondents from FCT (58%), Kaduna (47%) and Lagos State (46%).
The study further revealed that a result across all the selected states and FCT shows that 45.2% experienced domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The outcome of the survey on “Rapid Gender Analysis of the Impact of COVID-19 on Households in Nigeria,” was presented in Lagos by Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).
The selected states were Lagos, FCT, Kano, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Bornu, Osun, Ogun, Kwara and Kaduna with the questionnaire distributed randomly to selected households across the states.
Giving the report, the Executive Director, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, (WARDC) Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi said that there was an upsurge in security challenges faced by women and girls during the lockdown period.
“Incidence of harassment by security personnel; rape; assault; and battery; ritual killings were reported in several parts of the Country. The pervasive incidence of rape attracted the attention Governors Forum who rightly declared is ‘national emergency’” she said.
The reports also reveals that distribution of palliatives became avenue for corrupt practices especially officials of the states whom he said simply hijacked the process and diverted palliative materials to their cronies and family members. At least, 75.8 per cent of women across the nine states selected did not receive any support from the government during the COVID-19 lockdown.
“Healthcare facilities and services were dysfunctional in the management of COVID-19 due to poor funding and pervasive corruption. The Nigerian state lacks the required institutional capacity for effective response to pandemic of such magnitude and thus had to follow the model from the western countries in the national response,” the report added.
It however recommended the implementation of 50 per cent women representation in national emergency response team and other taskforces at state and community levels as well as the incorporation of 50% women political representation into electoral reforms with legislative backing
Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi also urged government to appropriate prevention and response measures be put in place for Gender Based Violence (GBV) including hotlines for reporting incidents; counseling supports and safe shelter .
Others recommendations include: Provision of necessary supports for survivors of GBV such as rehabilitation, counseling and other support services; Promoting transparency and accountability in government institutions is critical for effective implementation of gender equality commitments and service delivery; investment in women hygiene such as the provision of accessible potable water, toilets and fumigation of public places during health crisis; among others.
The project is supported by actionaid and ukaid.
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