Kenyan Women Affected By COVID-19

STATISTICS

WORKING MORE TIME FOR LESS WAGES,
WOMEN IN KENYA HAVE BEEN
DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED
BY COVID-19
(BUSINESS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
RESOURCE CENTRE, 2020)

50% DECLINE
IN ACTIVE TRADES
BY EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY
(EAC) WOMEN TRADERS
(THE AFRICA REPORT, 2020)

All across the globe, many are settling into what has become one of the most unprecedented times in history. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, lives have been turned upside down. In Kenya, Africa, specifically, the women impacted by this deadly disease are at a much greater threat. AMBER GINTER explores why.

WHAT IS HAPPENING?
With border closures and a reduction in regional help, countries like Kenya and its women are on the forefront of fatal repercussions. Due to a disruption in trade routes, imports and exports have ceased in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19, and trades have now declined by 50-60%. With an increase in caring for needs at home while attempting to still provide for those needs amid a pandemic, this tension is creating immediate financial inadequacy, leading to poverty and hunger (Foothold International, 2020). Women are among one of the most vulnerable groups exposed to the negative impacts of COVID-19, as they are direct caregivers and essential providers. They are therefore directly exposed to the virus by more than 60%. As traders, these women are the primary breadwinners, and with few avenues for success due to limited time, lacking resources, and accrued debts, existing inequalities are widened.

According to Cherie Catron from Foothold International, young women are particularly at risk during this outbreak due to schools being closed. Schools often provided one meal daily and menstrual pads, and with the closure of trade routes and schools, many girls are now at higher risk of facing early marriage, sexual abuse, or turning to prostitution in order to provide food and extra materials now needed for their families. As a result of these increased risks, teen pregnancies are now beyond what Kenya has ever seen, showing thousands in each region (Kenya Department of Health, 2020).

WILL THE SITUATION IMPROVE?
Like many East African countries, the rates of infection due to COVID-19 are not nearly as high due to younger populations, cultural distance, environment, and the government’s response; however, the effects of the virus have directly impacted a lack of supplies, transportation, and food scarcity beyond the disease (Foothold International, 2020; Advisory Board, 2020). Therefore, on their own, it is unlikely that Kenya’s women will recover successfully from this major impact.

HOW CAN WE PRAY?
– Women in Kenya to find support so that they do not have to resort to extreme decisions like prostitution in order to provide food for their families.
– Organisations in Kenya such as Foothold International or World Vision as they assist women with better avenues for these needs.

Amber Ginter

Amber Ginter is a twenty-five-year-old English teacher, author, and freelancer from Kingston, Ohio. She is an active dancer, exercise enthusiast, and mental health advocate.