Giving Compass' Take:

• Global Citizen shares stories of grassroots activists in Nigeria and Kenya, whose efforts to halt rising sexual violence during COVID-19 need increased support.

• How can you educate yourself further on the dangers of sexual violence during COVID-19? What are you doing to support those fighting against violence against women throughout the pandemic?

• Read about protecting survivors of domestic abuse during COVID-19.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-FGM campaigners Dr. Leyla Hussein OBE and Bethel Tadesse have been hosting webinars and online support groups from their base in London for grassroots activists working to end violence against girls and women all over the world.

During these sessions they have heard the struggles of those facing increased violence and abuse, and the hardships and challenges of the activists working against it.

Grassroots activists — meaning those working directly with people on the ground — are some of the most underrated and undervalued members of our societies. That’s especially true for those working with the most vulnerable girls.

They wake up every morning to rescue girls from abuse, go door-to-door to educate people on different issues, and spend their own money to feed the less fortunate. They are almost always underfunded and underappreciated.

In conversation with four activists from Nigeria and Kenya, we had heard that life was already hard for many women and girls — and the COVID-19 crisis has made this worse.

In times of crisis women and girls are often vulnerable while violence against them increases. This is compounded in this crisis as many of the usual sources of help are absent. Government offices are closed or focused on managing the impact of coronavirus. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charities have been forced to cease operations. Safehouses and rescue centres have been closed.

Child abuse and sexual violence against girls is a global stain on our world. It was already difficult for activists to protect those most at risk before the pandemic. We wrote this article because we want you to hear about some of these unsung heroes, empower their voices, highlight their concerns, and illuminate ways that you can help them.

Read the full article about ending sexual violence during COVID-19 at Global Citizen.