GBV GLANCE DURING THE PANDEMIC SITUATION OF LOCKDOWN

The Government of Nepal issued a nationwide lockdown on 24 March 2020, which was later extended until 6 May 2020. Due to the lockdown, all regular businesses and industries were shut down. The total number of COVID-19 cases in Nepal had reached 82. Among them, 16 patients had recovered, and no deaths had been recorded. Altogether, 13,850 RT-PCR tests and 52,227 RTD tests had been conducted (Source: https://covid19.mohp.gov.np/#/).

On the other hand, data updates from different news sources and NepalMonitor show that the total number of gender-based violence (GBV) incidents reached 139 between 1 March and 5 May 2020. These are only the recorded and reported cases (https://nepalmonitor.org). During the lockdown period, there may have been many underreported cases, especially in rural areas.

If we analyze the available data, it appears that incidents of gender-based violence increased during the lockdown period. Although there is no direct parametric relationship between COVID-19 cases and GBV incidents, there is significant scope for research on the connection between lockdown measures and the rise in GBV incidents as an adverse social effect. Such studies could help explore important questions such as why these incidents increased, how the lockdown contributed to the problem, and what preventive measures could be taken in the future.



If we look at the last four days (2–5 May 2020), the number of incidents appears to be more alarming compared to previous days. The trend of gender-based violence has been increasing during each extended lockdown period. Across the country, people remain under lockdown, and many temporary residents, workers, and jobholders from cities and urban areas have returned to their villages and homes. At the same time, the rising number of GBV incidents has become a serious issue that requires further study as well as immediate preventive action from concerned agencies.

The data from the last four days of reported GBV incidents indicates an urgent need for awareness, protection mechanisms, community support systems, and effective reporting and response services to address violence against women and vulnerable groups during crisis situations.


The increasing trend of these incidents has become a major challenge for the government and development agencies in achieving the goals of reducing gender-based violence and domestic violence. It is essential for the government and concerned organizations to simultaneously focus on the sensitization, awareness, and prevention of both COVID-19 and GBV, especially in high-risk and vulnerable communities.

Details of the 6 incidents within 5 days. 

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread forms of human rights violations and prevents them from reaching their full potential. It is a major obstacle to women and girls living dignified lives free from fear and discrimination.

Here are three important actions that all of us can take to help prevent gender-based violence and support women and girls in realizing their full potential during this challenging period:

1. Educate yourself and others about GBV
2. Use your voice on social media to bring awareness to GBV 
(Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, Radio, TV) 

3. Preventive, Safety and security measures vulnerable and risk group. 
(emergency numbers, survivor centre approaches for health and legal support)


Thank you for reading this blog, Your feedback will be highly appreciated. 



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