This archive report was first published on 6 May 2020.
As Kenya grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic, a lesser-known consequence has emerged: the disproportionate impact on women and girls.
With the first case reported in mid-March, the pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, including the closure of schools, which has affected 743 million girls in 185 countries, according to Unesco.
But the effects go beyond the physical and health repercussions. The social impact of the pandemic has been devastating, with girls and young women bearing the brunt of the burden.
Unesco predicts that girls are far less likely to return to school when the pandemic ends, due to several factors, including unintended pregnancies, limited access to contraceptives, and increased domestic violence.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's commitment to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Kenya by 2022 and promote gender parity is a step in the right direction. However, progress is slow, largely due to cultural opposition.
As we navigate this crisis, it is essential to acknowledge the inequalities that exist and the disproportionate impact on women and girls. By working together, we can create a more equal society and ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, have access to education and opportunities.
