Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) on the Female Population; a case of in Kabete Ward, Kiambu County, Kenya

Abstract

As the number of people infected with the COVID-19 virus continues to rise in Africa, governments have put in place prevention measures like social distancing and lockdown to contain this pandemic. This measures, although important in minimising infections of the virus, can themselves have significant widespread impacts on the lives of people. Over the past months, research has been done on the medical impacts of COVID-19, however there is limited research on the impact of the COVID-19 prevention measures on women and girls, hence the researcher’s interest in this study. This study sought to establish the impact of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) on the female population in Kabete ward, Kiambu County and was guided by the following objectives: - to examine the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 prevention measures on the female population of Kabete ward; to establish the adherence of COVID-19 prevention measures by the female population of Kabete ward and to assess the coping strategies employed by the female population of Kabete ward to deal with the impact of COVID-19 prevention measures. The researcher used descriptive research design and the methodology comprised of secondary data analysis and primary data collection. Quantitative data was collected using a survey questionnaire administered to 145 individuals while qualitative data was collected through 15 case narratives selective through convenience sampling. African Feminist Theory guided the inquiry. The study findings showed that the female population in Kabete ward were largely aware of COVID-19 pandemic and its prevention measures and that over 50% adhered to the prevention measures; that majority of the population were disproportionately affected by the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic and that the participants employed different coping strategies to cushion themselves against the impact of the COVID-19 prevention measures. The study recommends that policies be gender responsive, especially those that relate to preventive measures, because pandemics affect men and women, girls and boys differently. The study further recommends that women be involved and be part of decision-making on preparedness and response of pandemics.