COVID-19 threatens women’s and girls’ well-being & requires men and boys to come on board

The current Covid-19 pandemic is a major gender and inequity challenge at various levels of society, including in the home. Many governments have ordered lockdowns – citizens are urged to stay in their homes to limit the spread of the virus. With this arrangement, however, the threat of gender-based violence lurks around and the burden of care work in households will be a heavy burden carried by women and girls, creating stress and anxiety that could make them susceptible to disease. In order to win against the pandemic, there needs to be empathy, co-operation and peaceful relations in households – and men and boys can contribute to this. Leaders of five of our 22 MenEngage Africa networks share how men and boys can help make the international effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 a reality.

Hassan Sekajoolo on men’s role during Covid-19 lockdown

Paul Osayande on men’s roles during Covid-19 lockdown

Elias Muindi on men’s roles during the Covid-19 lockdown

Yared Bagambilana on men’s roles during the Covid-19 lockdown

Desmond Lunga on men’s roles during the Covid-19 lockdown