The COVID-19 pandemic is having tremendous effects on the world’s economy and social fabric of every society. Data suggest that women and girls in particular are facing a greater risk from this pandemic, as they are systematically disadvantaged and often suppressed by poverty, violence, inequality, and marginalization. Nepal is no different.
To prevent the spread of coronavirus, the country was under a nationwide full lockdown from March 24 to June 15, 2020. After three months Nepal has eased the lockdown, though the reopening is limited to basic facilities such as health care services, waste management, fire services, banks, and a few others. As of June 23, Nepal has 10,099 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths. The government’s response to the pandemic has been very discouraging. Quarantine centers are poorly managed; they are often overcrowded, with no basic services like food, water, or toilets, including medical care. We are already seeing the profound effects caused by COVID-19, which may have substantial implications for gender inequality in Nepal, both during and after the pandemic.
Rise in Gender-Based Violence
UN Women warns that globally 243 million women and girls aged 15-49 have been subjected to sexual or physical violence in the previous 12 months. The existing crisis of gender-based violence is likely to worsen in the context of COVID-19. Growing data demonstrates that since the outbreak, reports of violence against women and girls, mostly domestic violence, have increased in many countries. As the WHO reports, “Emergency services across Europe have seen a sharp rise in domestic abuse calls under sweeping lockdowns imposed across the continent.” Developing counties like India, Brazil, and Bangladesh have also reported a rise in domestic violence cases. UNFPA estimates there will be up to 31 million new cases of gender-based violence if the lockdown continues for six months.