Providing services to survivors of gender-based violence during COVID19 lockdown

The joint European Union and UN Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls continues to ensure the continuation of essential services to survivors of gender based violence during the second lockdown in place since 5th January 2021.

The Spotlight Initiative continues to provide assistance to implementing partners like Musasa project, which is running and operating various shelters and one stop centres.

In addition, the Spotlight Initiative is also supporting Implementing Partners in providing these essential services by supplying them with personal protective equipment (PPE) and infection prevention and control (IPC) supplies including those areas that were affected by Tropical storm Eloise.

Currently, UNFPA has committed for distribution 3000 dignity kits provided through Spotlight Initiative to be distributed to the COVID-19 quarantine facilities and ports of entry.

Meanwhile, IOM provided Beitbridge Prison Services with three hand washing stations for use by staff and inmates.

COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures have been reported to be difficult to implement in prisons that are often overcrowded and have limited access to running water.

IOM and its partners continue to support national and community level preparedness and response efforts for COVID-19 to stop the spread and to mitigate the impact of the pandemic.