WHY COVID-19 IS HAVING A TOUGHER IMPACT ON WOMEN AND GIRLS

Even before the pandemic Sri Lanka did not have equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services

On World Population Day (11th July), UNFPA called for leaders to respond to fertility and demographic shifts by prioritizing sexual and reproductive health & rights

The pandemic may increase the vulnerable status of women and girls. Hence it is important to recognize and respond to the issues which threaten their safety

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic impacted Sri Lanka profoundly, as is the case in many countries. The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in health care systems globally, and has caused serious gaps and challenges in access to essential information and services for women and girls. Additionally, the reallocation of resources away from these services is taking a toll on the health of women and girls.

In Sri Lanka one in five (20.4%) ever-partnered women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime (Women’s Wellbeing Survey, 2019). Young people have limited access to comprehensive sexuality education with a reported 50% unaware about most aspects of basic sexual and reproductive issues, which exposes them to higher risks of HIV and unplanned pregnancies (National Youth Health Survey, 2013 & 2014). The COVID19 pandemic has also hampered progress, further exacerbating inequalities and existing vulnerabilities. Much more needs to be done to ensure a world in which all individuals can exercise their human rights, including those that relate to the most intimate and fundamental aspects of life.

These factors have not only exacerbated gender inequities but also affect fertility leading to demographic changes. Existing data and projects indicate that, in some countries, the pandemic has interrupted access to family planning services, potentially increasing unplanned pregnancies among vulnerable groups.

On World Population Day (11th July), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) called for leaders to respond to fertility and demographic shifts by prioritising the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all people, including through access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) information and services.

To further explore the impact of the pandemic on human fertility trends, patterns and choices in Sri Lanka, UNFPA together with the Department of Demography, University of Colombo hosted a virtual event which highlighted the SRH needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls. The panelists, Emeritus Professor of the University of Colombo, Prof. Lakshman Dissanayake, Director of Maternal and Child Health of the Family Health Bureau, Dr. Chithramalee de Silva,vice President of the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), Dr. Shireen Jejeebhoy, Regional Advisor on Population Ageing and Sustainable Development of the UNFPA Asia-pacific Office, Dr. Rintaro Mori, along with chief guest, President of the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population, Prof. Tom Legrand, delved into how Sri Lanka could ensure Sexual and Reproductive Health rights and bodily autonomy is prioritised in policy making as the country works towards recovering from COVID-19.

Speaking on the day, UNFPA Officer-in-charge and National Programme and Policy Analyst for Women’s Rights & Gender, Ms. Sharika Cooray stated,“health systems should be supported to deliver essential sexual and reproductive health services during crises. Primary to addressing fertility change is to ensure that every woman and every girl has access to reproductive services and the relevant information regarding their bodies. UNFPA’S mandate to enable reproductive rights and choices to all remains critical to the success of communities and the country as a whole especially during the pandemic.”

Highlighting the importance of prioritising access to sexual and reproductive health services at the policy level, Vice Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Professor Chandrika Wijeyaratne stated,“even before the pandemic Sri Lanka did not have equitable access to sexual and reproductive health services. It’s imperative that this is prioritised at policy level so that the inequities exacerbated by COVID19 can be countered in order to address any demographic shifts triggered by the pandemic.” Emphasising the reproductive health rights and choices of the women and girls, Head of the Department of Demography of the University of Colombo, Dr. Manori Weeratunga, stated “The pandemic may increase the vulnerable status of women and girls. Hence it is important to recognise and respond to the issues which threaten the safety and violates the rights of women and girls which may affect their choices.”

Following the panel discussion, UNFPA and the Department of Demography, University of Colombo will continue to advocate for the prioritising of SRH rights of all in Sri Lanka with a focus on vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of the WHO South-east Asia Region recently told foreign media that maintaining essential health services is an important pillar of WHO’S COVID-19 response strategy .“Countries in the region have been focusing efforts on continuation and restoration of essential services, as disruption would only increase the risk of deaths from preventable causes,” she said.

According to UN data, some 420 million children in South Asia remain out of school due to pandemic control measures.the report warns that

4.5 million girls are likely to never return to school, and are at particular risk due to deteriorating access to sexual and reproductive health and information services. “given the cultural and social context of South Asia, the suspension of these services is deepening inequalities and is likely to lead to an increase in the number of maternal and neonatal deaths,” said Bjorn Andersson, Asia-pacific Regional Director of UNFPA. “THERE are also likely to be an additional 3.5 million unintended pregnancies in this region.”