Covid-19 pandemic and gender-based violence against men in Lesotho

Abstract

Pandemics have been associated with a rise in different forms of violence against women and children. The global and regional nature of pandemics can provide an environment of uncertainty and fear. Against this background, this study assesses the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on gender-based violence against men. The study engaged a total of 30 purposively and snowball sampled participants through semi-structured interviews. The study found that men experienced several forms of GBV and these are verbal, emotional and physical abuse. The study also found that there are little to zero efforts taken by the government to combat GBV against men during the pandemic. Findings also revealed that adopting and implementing comprehensive preventative measures specifically targeting men could curb GBV against them. The study concludes that GBV experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic has left multiple long-lasting and life-threatening health complications on men and men received minimal attention and recognition. The study recommends that the government of Lesotho should be involved to address GBV against men working closely with NGOs, individual associations, institutions such churches to tackle and curb the spread of GBV against men