Preventing violence against women during COVID-19: A qualitative study done in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Many countries, including Sri Lanka, reported an increase in violence against women (VAW) during the lock-down for COVID-19 pandemic. VAW results in not only physical and psychological repercussions, but also inter-generational violence - a vicious cycle. Hence, the objectives of this study were: (i) to increase awareness of VAW and its physical and psychological consequences, (ii) to address masculine norms, and (iii) to spread a clear message of zero tolerance to VAW. The study methodology comprised of creating creative informational posts and videos that addressed the objectives and disseminating these through various social media platforms, in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages. The project gained wide attention and appeared to reach numerous social groups. Several comments were received from organizations and the public on the usefulness of this project. Online conversations too ensued, including those among university students. Furthermore, the results obtained showed that there is an improvement in knowledge and awareness about VAW. To conclude, VAW took place even before the pandemic, but COVID-19 has created even more challenges for women and girls. The project delineated in this paper was able to not only empower women and encourage victims to speak out, but also address and condemn toxic masculine norms that contribute to VAW.