COVID-19: Policy Brief and Recommendations
Strengthening efforts to prevent and respond to school-related gender-based violence as schools reopen
This policy brief is targeted at policymakers and practitioners working in gender, education and child protection fields. It draws from emerging
evidence on the gendered implications of COVID-19 on violence as well as research from previous health emergencies regarding the impacts of school
closures on gender-based violence. Working on the principle of ‘Build Back Better’, this brief may be used to advocate for improved attention to school-
related gender-based violence (SRGBV). The entry points for action identified by this brief complement the Framework for Reopening Schools (UNESCO, UNICEF, World Bank and World Food Programme), the related Safe Back to School Practitioners Guide (Global Education Cluster) and Reopening Schools Safely (Safe to Learn campaign) providing more detailed guidance on how education systems can prevent and respond to gender-based violence in and around schools.