IMPACT OF PANDEMICS ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS: COVID-19 AS A SAMPLER

Abstract

The fatality rate of Covid-19 affects men than women while gender power dynamics, patriarchal norms and poverty increased the vulnerability of women and girls to violence during the pandemic. Several reports reveal that stay-at-home, order and restrictions on movements that aimed at curtailing the spread of the virus exposed women and girls to violence against them particularly by close relations, neighbors, partners and close associates, who live around them. By implication, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to threaten the rights of women and girls. Furthermore,  the Covid-19 containment measures heightened women’s poverty level especially among the informal sector workers and small-scale business owners. The marginalization of women in political decision making further amplified inaction by state actors’ responses to the pandemic. The lack of effective protection mechanism, legislation and coordinated institutions contributed to women’s vulnerability during and after lock down. This  chapter therefore assesses generally the impact of the pandemic on women and girls’ rights in Nigeria, proposes the need for increased political commitment towards  human rights protection  of women and girls,  the implementation of legislation, such as Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law, need for  the institutionalization of gender responsive budgeting to support effective  institutions and responses to Violence Against Women and Girls  and contribute to increase realization of socio-economic empowerment of women,  women’s inclusion in recovery plan during pandemic and implementation of gender quotas to increase women’s  participation at decision making on matters that affect their lives and the country as a whole.