Shadow Pandemic Action Brief

V I O L E N C E A G A I N S T W O M E N
D U R I N G C O V I D - 1 9 T I M E S
THE SHADOW PANDEMIC
HIGH-LEVEL ROUNDTABLE • 26 NOVEMBER 2020 • ACTION BRIEF

The Shadow Pandemic
Facts and Statistics
The COVID-19 pandemic is accompanied by a multitude of exacerbated challenges in the global fight against
Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In an effort to stop the coronavirus from spreading, the
containment strategies placed more and more women and girls in vulnerable situations, exposing them to a
Shadow Pandemic of VAWG, a term coined by UN Women, the United Nation’s Entity for Gender Equality and
the Empowerment of Women. It is estimated that "the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to cause a one-third
reduction in progress towards ending gender-based violence by 2030".[1]
Health workers, such as Simret Tesfaye, a nurse at a woman's shelter in Ethiopia, are experiencing the Shadow
Pandemic and the intensified pressure due to COVID-19 first hand. Tesfaye reports how frontline services have
not been able to deliver adequate support for survivors of VAWG due to a lack of isolation rooms and
insufficient human resources. At the same time, she recounts, survivors have not gone to the police during
the pandemic, making it harder to press charges afterwards and prevent repeated offences. Her work as a
frontline worker has become significantly more challenging during COVID-19 times.[2]
Early warnings anticipated that the measures of confinement and physical distancing could have severe
effects on VAWG. Even before the outbreak of the coronavirus, every 1 in 3 women globally experienced
sexual or physical violence at least once in her lifetime.[3] With half of the world’s population in lockdown,
women and girls are immediately at greater risk of experiencing sexual or physical violence within their
homes and beyond.
Domestic Violence
Other Forms of Violence
Other forms of VAWG are also under immediate
During lockdown measures in the first half of
2020, Argentina experienced a 25% increase of
pressure due to COVID-19. The United Nations
Office on Drugs and Crime warns that "the living
emergency calls reporting domestic violence.
France’s domestic violence cases increased by
conditions of many trafficking victims, such as
those in domestic servitude or sex slavery, forms
30% and the demand for helplines increased by
of exploitation that disproportionately affect
30% in Cyprus and 33% Singapore. The statistics
women and girls” are at severe risk.[6] COVID-19
in Canada, Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom,
also brought along a disruption in efforts to
Australia and the United States reflect similar
prevent child marriages. The United Nations
increasing developments in the reports of
Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates that this
domestic violence and demand for emergency
could result in an additional 13 million child
shelters.[4] At the same time, essential services
marriages to take place between 2020 and 2030
have been compensated. A UK survey found that
that could otherwise have been prevented.
three-quarters (76%) of UK frontline service
UNFPA also pointed out that addressing Female
providers had to decrease their service delivery
Genital Mutilation (FGM) has become more
for VAWG cases because of COVID-19. With
difficult as prevention efforts are compensated.
increasing pressure on health care services due
This could result in a failure to avert 2 million
to the prioritizing of COVID-19 cases, chances are
cases of FGM.[7] Furthermore, the use of the
high that access to urgent support for victims of
internet increasing by 50%-70%, as social life has
VAWG will be disrupted.[5] Moreover, increasing
shifted to the online sphere, is accompanied by a
unemployment due to the accompanying
heightened risk of cyber violence against women.
economic crisis leads to economic dependence,
[8] During the lockdown and confinement, tweets
preventing women from escaping abusive
from India, Indonesia and the Philippines
relationships. Studies have shown that less than
containing misogynistic language doubled week
40% of all women experiencing violence, report
over week in May 2020.[9]
the crime or ask for support.
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affected by violence before
women
COVID-19
in demand for helplines
increase
Cyrus and Singapore
in
in domestic violence
increase
calls in Argentina
emergency
women who face violence
of
or seek help
report
of frontline service
reduction
VAW survivors in UK
for
child marriages to occur
additional
2020 and 2030
between
cases of FGM that
additional
could have been averted
otherwise
in internet use leading to
increase
cyber violence
heightened
Facts and Statistics
1 in 3

High-Level Roundtable
Despite substantial evidence on the negative
The BKMC Co-chairs Ban Ki-moon and Heinz
effect of COVID-19 on VAWG, the Ban Ki-moon
Fischer, Executive Director of UN Women
Centre (BKMC) observed a lack of widespread
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Prime Minister
awareness on the issue. Taking action, the BKMC
of New Zealand Helen Clark, CEO of Avon Angela
Cretu, Regional Director of UN Women Asia and
organized a virtual high-level and multistakeholder
roundtable on November 26th, 2020,
Pacific Mohammad Naciri, and women’s rights
titled “Tackling the Shadow Pandemic – Violence
activist Trisha Shetty came together to discuss
Against Women During COVID-19 Times”. The
what steps must be taken to address the spike in
event was open to all and held during the
VAWG during COVID-19 times. The event's
international Orange the World campaign.
moderator Monika Froehler, CEO of the BKMC,
Headed by UN Women, the Orange the World
provided insights on facts and statistics on the
campaign raises awareness for VAWG annually
Shadow Pandemic and asked the diverse
during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-
audience from 20 different countries to share
Based Violence from the 25th of November, the
their perspectives on VAWG during COVID-19 via
International Day for the Elimination of Violence
online live polling. Considering the exacerbated
Against Women to the 10th of December,
risks in their region, the audience perceived the
International Human Rights Day. The High-Level
expansion of frontline services, awarenessraising,
and education of men and boys to be
Roundtable took place in support of these multistakeholder
efforts to end VAWG.
crucial tools to tackle the Shadow Pandemic.
Insights from the Opening Speakers:
Ban Ki-moon,
8th Secretary-
General of the
United Nations
Heinz Fischer,
11th President of the
Republic of Austria
Phumzile
Mlambo-Ngcuka,
Executive Director
of UN Women
Violence against women and girls is
Women constitute half of the
We have seen the whole world
one of the most pervasive human
world's population and can only
respond to the coronavirus
rights violations and perhaps the
unfold their full potential when
pandemic, with all hands on deck.
most obvious manifestation of the
free of violence. We must talk
Men’s violence against women is
deep imbalances in power in our
about the changing dynamics of
societies. As a global community,
VAWG during COVID-19. What can
also a pandemic – one that predates
the virus and will outlive it.
we must not look away. We must
we do to protect and support
It too needs our global,
engage in an open dialogue and
women and girls during periods of
coordinated response and
bring all stakeholders to the table.
quarantine, social distancing?
enforceable protocols.
0 4

Key Statements and
Recommendations:
Governments Private Sector International Organizations Civil Society
Rt. Hon. Helen Clark
Hon. Rt Helen Clar
is the former Prime Minister of New Zealand and former UNDP Administrator. Helen Clark
chairs several organizations and serves on multiple public good Advisory Boards. She continuously speaks on
issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Women’s Leadership. Sharing her unique
insights as former head of government, Clark shed light on the governmental responsibility to tackle the
Shadow Pandemic:
Legislation:
To tackle the shadow pandemic, the issue of VAWG must be pushed out of the shadows through legislative
measures. Changing the law to call out domestic violence as an assault is the first step that needs to be
taken.
Governmental Campaigns:
Leading governmental campaigns that carry compelling messages is key to gain the support of other
stakeholders. New Zealand, for example, initiated “It’s not OK” campaign, calling for the need to address and
end VAWG.
Women’s Leadership:
As the proportion of women in parliament grows, issues that predominantly affect women are finally
addressed. The government of Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand successfully pushed for legislation making it
easier for survivors of domestic violence to flee their home while receiving ten days of paid leave.
Women Advisors:
Asking women what they need from policymakers to make their lives safer is crucial. Gender-sensitive
responses can only be effective if women are part of the decision-making and if they are engaged and
involved in designing what is required.
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Key Statements and
Recommendations:
Governments Private Sector International Organizations Civil Society
Cret is the CEO of the global beauty company Avon, a keen advocate for gender equality, and a
Angela Cretu
Angela
champion of Avon's mission to create a better world for all, through women. Under her leadership, Avon has
doubled down on its long-term commitment to tackling gender-based violence, with new programs and
funding to drive positive social change. Representing the private sector, Cretu drew on her experience as best
practice:
Sustainable Missions:
Private sector companies have a responsibility to go beyond selling their products and services and align
their mission and agenda with sustainability and core values of society such as dignity, well-being, and
freedom of choice.
Leveraging Influence:
Private sector companies are highly influential. They can and should do their part to eliminate VAWG by
cooperating with NGOs, legislators, raising awareness, writing letters to governments, or mobilizing funds for
frontline services.
Supporting Employees:
The private sector is responsible for creating earning opportunities for women that allow more flexibility and
contribute to more financial freedom of women. Only 40% of women survivors report their violent
experiences. This gives testimony that more must be done to secure the economic stability of women, to
empower them to leave abusive relationships.
Training Employees:
Businesses should train their employees to read signs of abuse to protect their own communities of
employees and customers. Avon partners with Vital Voices Global Partnership to train its employees in taking
on responsibility in the fight against VAW.
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Key Statements and
Recommendations:
Governments Private Sector International Organizations Civil Society
Naciriis the Regional Director of UN Women for Asia and the Pacific with considerable experience
Mohammad Naciri
Mohammad
in the international development sector working for multiple international organizations. He has supported
Yemen in the formulation of its Gender Strategy and the Gender Responsive Budgeting process and worked in
Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Cambodia, dealing with issues from human trafficking to ethnic cleansing.
With his extensive background in the multilateral sector, Naciri pointed out the following:
Regional Differences:
In the Asia-Pacific region, the rate of VAWG has been even higher than the global average. Two out of three
women have reported experiences of violence, which underscores the need for regional and local
perspectives in gender-sensitive responses.
Online Violence:
Since lockdowns and physical distancing measures pushed more people online, digital platforms are being
increasingly used to spread sexist and dangerous rhetoric about women, inciting hatred and potentially
provoking violence online and offline. Legislation that criminalizes cyber harassment and stalking must be
expanded and women’s capacity to identify, report and block hateful content must be built.
Patriarchal Structures:
The deeply-rooted ideas of patriarchy exacerbate the vulnerability of women to male violence. It must be a
common effort of all stakeholders to unteach traditional gender-roles, communicate messages and images of
women empowerment, tackle harmful traditional cultural and religious narratives and work with men and
boys to dissolve patriarchal ideas.
International Cooperation:
International organizations play a key role in strengthening systems, improving access to essential services
for survivors in remote areas, raising awareness, and disseminating guidance to governments and
humanitarian actors to help shape services that respond to the increase in VAWG during COVID-19 through
technology and remote support options.
0 7

Key Statements and
Recommendations:
Governments Private Sector International Organizations Civil Society
Trisha Shetty
Trisha S
ettyis a lawyer and full-time social activist, who founded SheSays, a non-profit organization and
online platform that aims to end gender-based discrimination and advance women’s rights in India by
engaging youth as agents of social change. She has dedicated herself to addressing gender-based violence
and advocates for women and youth to have equal representation in leadership positions. Shetty addressed a
variety of crucial issues, drawing from her experience on the ground:
Cracks in a System:
Our system presents cracks when dealing with survivors of VAWG. While survivors have spoken up about this
issue, the system has actively ignored their voices or deliberately silenced them. As a result, women’s bodies
have become politicized, preventing women from seeking justice for crimes perpetrated against them.
Failed Leadership:
Leadership continuously shies back from holding uncomfortable conversations. The fact that marital rape is
legal in India and is not recognized as crime is a sign of the failure of leadership to call this out as a human
rights violation. Leaders must speak up and actively condemn VAWG.
Awareness for the Shadow Pandemic:
COVID-19 has helped us acknowledge that VAWG is a global pandemic that is not restricted to developing or
under-developed countries. The pandemic has made us realize that violence is a health issue and not only a
women’s issue.
Need-Driven Responses:
From its early beginnings, SheSays pledged to be a need-driven and not solely cause-driven organization.
Surveys and audits can help to point out the void and the gaps that need to be filled. Based on these findings
SheSays started to provide financial, mental health, and legal support to women survivors of violence.
Ending Victim-Blaming:
Survivors are speaking up about the injustice they are facing. They challenge norms and go against cultural
taboos by demanding justice. Blaming the victims is a reflection of a system that is not brave enough to listen
to survivors and provide them with the help they need.
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Take Action to Tackle the
Shadow Pandemic!
Recommendations what you can do to end VAWG:
1
Listen to and believe survivors
2
Learn the signs of abuse and how you can help
3
Start a conversation on social media
4
Call on governments to bridge funding gaps
5
6
Speak out, be present, pay attention!
Take a stand by calling VAWG out when you see it
7
8
9
10
Reach out and follow up with friends and family
Donate to women’s organizations
Know the data and demand more of it
Watch and share the High-Level Rountable:
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UNFPA. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Planning and Ending Gender-based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation and
[1]
Marriage." unfpa.org, 27 April 2020, https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/resource-pdf/COVID-
Child
Tesfay, Simret. "From where I stand." unwomen.org, 1 June 2020, https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/from-wherei-stand-simret-tesfaye,
[2]
retrieved on 9 February 2021.
UN Women. "Facts and figures: Ending violence against women." unwomen.org, November 2020,
[3]
retrieved on 06 February 2021.
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/facts-and-figures,
UNODC. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trafficking in Persons." un.org, 2020, https://www.un.org/ruleoflaw/wpcontent/uploads/2020/05/Thematic-Brief-on-COVID-19-EN-ver.21.pdf,
[6]
retrieved on 06 February 2021.
UNFPA. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Planning and Ending Gender-based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation and
[7]
Marriage." unfpa.org, 27 April 2020, https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/resource-pdf/COVID-
Child
Naciri, Mohammad. "Opinion: How women are fighting for peace in a militarised cyberspace." Thomas Reuters Foundation News, 18
[9]
2020, https://news.trust.org/item/20201028171445-u9wn2/, retrieved on 06 February 2021.
October
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Sources:
19_impact_brief_for_UNFPA_24_April_2020_1.pdf, retrieved on 08 February 2021.
UN Women. "The Shadow Pandemic: Violence Against Women and Girls and COVID-19." unwomen.org, 2020,
[4]
https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2020/issue-brief-covid-19-and-endingviolence-against-women-and-girls-infographic-en.pdf?la=en&vs=5348,
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[5]
https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2020/brief-covid-19-and-essentialservices-provision-for-survivors-of-violence-against-women-and-girls-en.pdf?la=en&vs=3834,
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