Facing unseen violence: What can youth do to end gender-based violence by 2030 in Lao PDR?
Gender-based violence is referred to as a 'Shadow Pandemic', and the issue continues to be critical. We spoke to two UN Volunteers currently working on this issue in Lao PDR: Victoria Dart, Gender-Based Violence Specialist at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and Sarah Tae, Gender Programme Officer at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to UN Women, one in three women and girls experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, mostly by an intimate partner. The situation has deteriorated since the outbreak of COVID-19. Calls to helplines reporting violence have increased five-fold in some countries, and in Lao PDR, the Women’s Union Counselling and Protection Centre have reported a significant increase in the number of calls they have received. COVID-19 has not only increased the likelihood of violence, but has strained essential services, making it even more difficult for women to get support.