Anders Thomsen, the UNFPA Representative in Somalia, has urged for the prioritization of the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as part of the ongoing COVID-19 response.
Thomsen says that the time is perfect for ensuring that interventions for preventing, mitigating, and responding to GBV and FGM receive the much-needed attention, especially now that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage vulnerable communities.
A recently released report titled “GBV/FGM Rapid Assessment Report – in the Context of COVID-19 Pandemic in Somalia” shows that the pandemic is creating conditions that could prove detrimental to women and girls in the country.
It says that the pandemic has exposed women and girls in the Horn of Africa nation to increased likelihood of falling victim to GBV and FGM. Consequently, the report demonstrates the need for prioritizing the fight against GBV and FGM in light of the COVID-19 dynamics.
Therefore, Thomsen has called upon all stakeholders to work together to ensure that all COVID-19 services are handled and offered as essential services. He also called for improved training and equipping of the right personnel to offer the necessary services.