The COVID-19 pandemic has strained Nepal's public health system, triggering unprecedented measures by the Government of Nepal, including movement restrictions. Evidence from prior outbreaks shows that this crisis could exact a massive toll on women and girls. Women are disproportionally represented in the health and social services sectors, increasing their risk of exposure to the disease. Stress, limited mobility and livelihood disruptions also increase women’s and girls’ vulnerability to gender-based violence and exploitation. And if resources are redirected away from sexual and reproductive health services, women’s access to family planning, antenatal care and other critical services could suffer.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, in coordination and collaboration with government agencies and development partners UNFPA Nepal is on the ground to respond to the crisis.
This infographic captures UNFPA's key interventions in addressing gender-based violence across the country and the results achieved by the agency.