HOW ARE GIRLS AND WOMEN AFFECTED BY CORONAVIRUS?

The age and gender implications of a global pandemic are stark. Girls and the most vulnerable children and youth miss out on vital services when schools are closed, from school meals to social protection. Girls, especially those from marginalised communities and with disabilities, may be particularly affected by the secondary impacts of the outbreak. Gender-based violence and coronavirus   Economic stress on families due to the outbreak can put children, and in particular girls, at greater risk of exploitation, child labour and gender-based violence. Quarantine measures should be accompanied by support for affected households. Health services Evidence from past epidemics indicates resources are often diverted from routine health services. This further reduces the already limited access of many girls and young women to sexual and reproductive health services, as well as maternal, new-born and child health services. Health authorities should ensure access to these services during the response to the outbreak, including for adolescent girls. Economic well-being  Economic challenges during the outbreak pose a serious threat to young women’s work and business activity and expose them to increased risk of exploitation or abuse. Girls and young women facing severe economic shocks are more likely to take on high-risk work for their economic survival. Responses to the outbreak must protect and support young women’s economic empowerment.

WHAT IS PLAN INdia DOING TO RESPOND TO THE PANDEMIC?

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