With COVID-19 engulfing the entire globe, there has been an increase in debates on a myriad of topics – new world order, rise of authoritarianism, economic fallout, erosion of democratic norms, and overwhelmed healthcare systems. One of the most sensitive and neglected dimensions – gender-based violence – remains neglected.
According to UN Population Fund, COVID-19 pandemic could have “serious consequences” for women’s health. Amid the social isolation and lockdown measures there is a serious need to understand that the place we call “home” is not always a safe and comforting place for each and everyone around us. There are many women locked up with their abusers. The rising economic insecurity, social isolation, and reciprocal rise in anxiety, stress places the most vulnerable among the population-women, children at risk of abuse, violence and harassment.
Reports have been coming out from different corners of the world: On 19th March, in Spain a woman was murdered by her husband in Valencia in front of her children. According to UN Women in France, there has been a reported 30% increase in domestic violence. Canada, America, UK have reported an increase in demand of shelters for women. Likewise, Hubei’s domestic violence cases tripled in February 2020, as compared to 2019. These all are strong indicators for the governments to take up the matter with relative seriousness and adopt preventive and protective measures.
There is an urgent need for enhancing the resource availability for reporting and controlling gender-based violence. Virtual options like helplines, apps, online counselling and legal services are some of the solutions for enhancing the availability of help. Similarly, cues can be taken from France which has recently announced an extra 1.1 million euros for funding anti domestic abuse organisations to boost up their capacity, as well as it has launched an initiative, whereby the people facing abuse can say a code word (mask19) at a pharmacy for urgent help. While Canada has funded $50 million for gender-based violence shelters and sexual assault centres. The German Green party’s leader has circulated the idea of booking hotel rooms for shifting women who are vulnerable.
There is an urgent need for enhancing the resource availability for reporting and controlling gender-based violence
Keeping in view the scenario ongoing in foreign countries, Pakistan already stands at a dismal position. In 2019, the rank on Women, Peace and Security Index was abysmally low: 164/167. The ongoing pandemic has enhanced the urgency for boosting up the accessibility of services to vulnerable women and potential abuse victims.
On behalf of the community members, there is a need to remain more vigilant towards any abuse or violence ongoing in their vicinity and report it to the authorities for timely action. Moreover, the helpline setup by Ministry of Human Rights for reporting violence is a positive step in the direction. Recently, in collaboration with UNFPA, the government of Punjab has upgraded the WOMEN SAFETY APP, whereby the women can alert the police on the emergency helpline 15 or send an auto text via WhatsApp to the PSCA (Punjab Safe City Authority), which mobilizes the teams to the corresponding location for action.
The steps taken globally can serve as guidelines for a more comprehensive strategy. The government needs to consider investing more in increasing the capacity of shelter homes, to establish a support system for the vulnerable women. Still, the current measures taken within the limited resources are commendable. The rest of the provincial governments should also follow in the footsteps of Punjab, for a more integrated resolution of the emerging issue at hand. If timely measures are not taken domestic violence and mental health issues are going to mount up on top of the raging health crisis, and aggravate the woes of already burdened healthcare as well as economic systems.
The writer isiInterested in politics, women empowerment and human rights