Impact of COVID-19 on Violence Against Women and Girls in Addis Ababa

Abstract

There is no doubt that promoting a safer, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) free environment for women and girls gives them greater safety and security, better health and education, and, more control over their life choices. The main objective of the study was to explore the impacts of COVID-19 in relation to violence against women and girls in Addis Ababa. A Cross-sectional study design with concurrent mixed study method was employed. Primary data was collected from 1084 women (15-49 years old) selected using three-stage stratified sampling procedure, 12 key informants and one case study. Data were collected using household survey questionnaire, key informant interview and in-depth interview guides. The odds of gender-based violence was higher by at least 1.6 times among women and girls who had no formal education and primary education compared to those who had secondary and above level of education. Women and girls residing in large household size (6+) had significantly higher odds of gender-based violence compared to those who were living in households with less than six members. Women and girls who were living in rented house were 1.3 times more likely to be exposed to gender-based violence compared to those living in their own house. There should be aggressive and continuous community education through behavioral change communication strategies that will eventually help to significantly promote knowledge and attitude on adverse effects of gender-based violence.