Vulnerability to violence against women or girls during COVID-19 in Uganda

Abstract

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, gender-based violence (GBV) was reported to have increased worldwide. We build on existing literature to examine the factors that increased vulnerability to GBV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. We use data from the Rapid Gender Assessment (RGA) survey that was conducted during COVID-19, which was designed to provide information to guide policymaking and offer appropriate interventions that address the needs of people in Uganda during the pandemic. The results show that the following respondents are more likely to experience increased risk and vulnerability to gender-based violence: those with primary level of education (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.10–2.01), those who received information about GBV (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.08–1.57), and those who needed help or medical support as a prevention measure against GBV (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.04–1.61). However, respondents who would need financial support to prevent GBV were less likely to experience increased GBV (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70–0.98). Our results align with evidence from other studies that risk and vulnerability to GBV in Uganda increased since the onset of COVID-19. The findings provide an understanding of the interrelationship between GBV and COVID-19,which can help with designing GBV preventive measures, particularly during pandemics among those most at-risk.

Gender-based violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic: recommendations for future

“…Also, study in Uganda reveals several factors associated with increased risk and vulnerability to GBV during COVID19. Socio-economic status particularly linked to low education achievement (primary education) and the need for assistance to access health care was associated with higher likelihood to experience increased risk and vulnerability to GBV [ 2 ].…”

“…International definitions of gender-based violence(GBV) and violence against women have emerged since the early 1990s [ 1 ]. GBV is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality, and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies [ 2 ]. GBV as a main violence against women includes any physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and also any suffering of women in the form of restricting their freedom in personal or social life [ 3 ].…”

COVID-19, new challenges to human safety: a global review

“…Violence against women in Jordan during COVID-19 was as high as 40%, with unemployment as the main predictor ( 60 ). According to data, the risk of and vulnerability to violence against women and girls in Uganda has increased significantly since the outbreak of the pandemic ( 66 ). Pandemic mitigation measures such as curfews, lockdowns and movement restrictions can be effective in reducing the spread of epidemics.…”

“…Violence against women in Jordan during COVID-19 was as high as 40%, with unemployment as the main predictor (60). According to data, the risk of and vulnerability to violence against women and girls in Uganda has increased significantly since the outbreak of the pandemic (66).…”

Violence Against Women Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Study of Reports From the Forensic Medical Institute of Curitiba/PR, Brazil

“…During the COVID-19 pandemic, the most prevalent forms of gender-based violence reported in the literature were physical, psychological, moral and sexual violence 8,9 . Some factors have been associated with the occurrence of intimate partner violence: increased time living with the aggressor, worse socioeconomic conditions, low schooling and the interruption or di culty of accessing support services 9 .…”