Sexual and Gender-Based Violence on Teenage Girls During Covid-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly intensified pre-existing gender inequalities, resulting in a marked increase in Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) against adolescent girls in Kenya. This study adopts a critical feminist perspective to examine the vulnerabilities exacerbated by pandemic-related measures such as school closures, lockdowns, and economic downturns. Data were collected qualitatively through open-ended interviews with teenage girls in selected Kiambu County schools, facilitated by guidance and counseling teachers. The narratives reveal that factors such as poverty, forced displacement, cultural norms, and limited access to basic needs heightened the risks of SGBV during this period. The findings highlight various forms of violence faced by adolescent girls, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, with most perpetrators being family members or acquaintances. Economic hardships pushed many girls into transactional sex, while harmful practices such as child marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) increased. Emotional abuse emerged as a recurring theme, reflecting deep-seated patriarchal norms that undermine girls’ autonomy and well-being. Pandemic containment measures, such as school closures, eliminated critical safe spaces for girls, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. Socio-economic challenges further heightened household tensions, resulting in increased physical violence and neglect. These dynamics underscore the role of structural inequalities in amplifying SGBV risks for adolescent girls. This study concludes with actionable recommendations, including the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education, economic empowerment programs, and the creation of safe spaces for girls. Furthermore, it advocates for the establishment of specialized courts to handle SGBV cases, government-supported shelters, and school re-entry policies for teen mothers. By addressing the systemic roots of SGBV, these measures aim to mitigate its impact and promote gender equity during and beyond crises.