Barometer | Tracking the impact of Covid-19 on adolescent girls

In this special edition in our Covid-19 Barometer series, produced in partnership with UNICEF, we track the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the lives of adolescent girls across Kenya.

Drawing on new insights from our annual national youth survey, this edition provides an update on the challenges, priorities and aspirations of 15-19-year-old-girls, as they continue to navigate a turbulent pandemic.

OVERVIEW

This edition of our COVID-19 Barometer draws on face-to- face-interviews with 2,015 young people conducted between December 2020 and January 2021. Drawing on additional qualitative insights and conversations with girls across Kenya, the Barometer aims to provide an update on key topics including education, sexual and reproductive health, financial security, mental wellbeing and resilience.

As you’ll go on to read, the Covid-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures, have already had a lasting impact on the financial security of adolescent girls across Kenya, with only 27% of girls reporting that they’re able to cover their day-to-day expenses, and nearly a quarter reporting that they struggled daily to afford food. Girls across the country also highlight their concerns about the impact of the pandemic on their education and on their safety. But despite the upheaval and uncertainty, an overwhelming 85% of 15-19-year-old girls said they believed that their lives will be better in a year’s time, and 84% said they have something to contribute to their community and to the world.

Corona has affected so many things, for example I was to graduate from school this year, but due to Covid, I have to re-do classes again.”

We hope this snapshot of insights provides a valuable update for those of you working with adolescent girls across Kenya – as we work to break down barriers, so that girls can build a better future for themselves and their communities.