The gendered impact of COVID-19 on FGM

The gendered impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and girls has deepened pre-existing gender inequalities and gender-based violence. Research conducted between February and May 2021 with partner organisations in Somalia/Somaliland, Ethiopia, and Kenya was able to add more evidence to the growing acknowledgement that COVID-19 has triggered an increase in the prevalence of FGM. Furthermore, the research highlighted the urgent need for responses to FGM and other forms of violence against women and girls to be integrated as part of the development response to pandemics. The article points to a need to look more closely at how and why changes in harmful mindsets happen. The findings reveal that unless change is triggered by strong convictions to respect the rights of girls, it is highly fragile and unlikely to be sustained.