COVID -19 AND VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS: AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Violence against women is a global and perennial phenomenon which has claimed many lives and ruined many too. It includes domestic violence, sexual violence etc. The advent of Covid-19 has doubled its increase. This is because, with the stay-at-home order, the perpetrators of these crimes are now sitting down in their houses for several hours, battling with stress, frustration and joblessness. This gives them more opportunity and reason to be more violent than ever. Violence against women and girls is a grave violation of their human rights. Its negative impact ranges from immediate to long-term results, such as health, sexual and mental consequences, including death. It also affects women’s general wellbeing and prevents them from fully participating in society. This paper used the analytical and expository methods and also noted that women do not suffer the effects of violence alone. Its consequences extend to their families, communities and even the country at large. Thus, the paper encouraged everyone to understand that violence against women and girls will not improve the well-being of anybody, including the society at large. Respect for women was highly emphasized.