Question NW596 to the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
11 March 2021 - NW596
Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
Whether, with regard to COVID-19 that left nearly half of the Republic’s mothers and children going hungry last year, as revealed in the 2020 South African Child Gauge report, presented by the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town (details furnished), her Office has conducted a study of its own; if not, why not; if so, what were the findings of the study?
Reply:
The Department conducted an electronic survey during April/May 2020, to determine the initial impact of the lockdown on the lives and livelihoods of women. This survey was not able to reach a sufficiently large enough number of respondents across the country to make any conclusive findings. It was further limited to access to some women’s organisations only who responded but they too were unable to reach women in the community level because of level 5 lockdown restrictions. However the survey findings enabled the DWYPD to facilitate that GBVF and the services thereof, be included in the regulations as essential service.
The DWYPD also collaborated with UN Women on the various surveys through CATI (use of cellular mobile technology) approach to reach a few thousands of respondents. The findings indicate that hunger by women and children was a growing problem at the start of the lockdown but eased somewhat with the provisions of the food parcels to indigent households and the social protection relief measures put in place by Government.
_________________________
Approved by Minister
Ms M Nkoana-Mashabane, MP
Date _____________________