Early in the pandemic, in addition to the recommended barrier measures, Benin introduced a cordon sanitaire, which separated the south from the hinterland and was intended to reduce the widespread transmission of the virus. These measures had the effect of slowing down economic activity and disrupting social relations at all levels. Women were particularly affected, as they were subjected to an upsurge in gender-based violence. The project is led by the Centre de formation et de recherche en matière de population at Benin’s Université d’Abomey-Calavi and by Canada’s Université de Montréal. The overall objective of the project is to study the differential effects of COVID-19 and the cordon sanitaire by gender and among socio-economic categories of women by shedding light on the increased risks of various forms of violence that women have faced. Combining quantitative and qualitative methods, the project will use primary and secondary data sources and various collection techniques such as surveys and individual and group interviews.
Expected results includes:
They include helping to formulate policies and guide government interventions for gender equality and the fight against gender-based violence. In addition, the project will help build the capabilities of the next generation of women in research and intervention by providing scholarships to women for training in Benin and Canada.
