Open AccessAction for adolescent girls and COVID-19: Implications for safe space programming in the Sahel
Author(s) -
AUTHOR_ID
Publication year - 2021
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Reports
DOI - 10.31899/sbsr2021.1003
Subject(s) - empowerment , action (physics) , pandemic , covid-19 , work (physics) , context (archaeology) , demographic dividend , public relations , space (punctuation) , population , economic growth , political science , action plan , call to action , business , engineering , geography , computer science , marketing , medicine , management , economics , environmental health , archaeology , pathology , operating system , quantum mechanics , mechanical engineering , physics , disease , infectious disease (medical specialty)
This brief presents strategies used by organizations to adapt programs for adolescent girls (AGs) during crises. Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD) planners and implementing partners are encouraged to revitalize and/or maintain Safe Space programming, which can be essential in maintaining contact with and supporting AGs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is imperative that SWEDD be a driver of change by prioritizing AG and mentor safety in the context of the pandemic and other crises. The strategies described in this brief have been used to adapt AG programs such as Safe Spaces to the constraints imposed by COVID-19. Based on these experiences, recommendations are made for strategies that may be implemented during crises in SWEDD contexts. As suggested in this brief, SWEDD management units, implementing partners, ministry representatives, and technical assistance partners should consider these recommendations and how they can be useful in the contexts where they work. All recommendations can be adapted to each country and target population.