Adolescent girls deprived of health & education compare to boys during pandemic says reportPhoto : iStock(By Sherine Elizabeth)New Delhi: A research-based report from four states in India has highlighted how the pandemic has impacted adolescent girls more in comparison to the boys.The report by ‘Save the Children’ highlighted the disproportionate impact of the ravaging COVID-19 on girls. The report – THE WORLD OF INDIA’S GIRLS – WINGS 2022 – themed ‘Spotlight on Adolescent Girls amid COVID-19’ reveals the situation of girls during and post the pandemic induced nationwide lockdowns in India during the first wave. It has only worsened with the multiple mutations and successive waves of the COVID-19 virus since then.The study was conducted in four states- Delhi, Maharashtra, Bihar, and Telangana, representing the four geographical zones (North, West, East, and South). The report highlighted the following crucial points on the impact of pandemic on adolescent girls:• 68 percent of adolescent girls faced challenges in accessing health and nutrition services• 67 percent did not attend online classes during lockdowns• 56 percent did not get time to indulge in outdoor play and recreation during the lockdown.• More than half the mothers surveyed perceived that the chances of girls getting married early rather than boys are higher due to COVID-19.With these crucial findings, ‘Save the Children’ believes the disparities highlighted in the report are paramount to framing an appropriate response to build back better by way of formulating recommendations to all stakeholders. It will also enable the policymakers and implementers to take informed long-term strategic measures to safeguard and uphold the rights of girl children.“WINGS 2022 Report is our way of bringing to the fore the risks our nation runs into by not investing in and securing all its children. Specifically, the fact that India @75 has almost half its children not able to equitably secure themselves with their basic rights is a tale by itself! With this report, we would like to reaffirm our commitment to being a part of the solution. Along with the various specific steps the report provides a way forward for all of us and more importantly, the obligation to include the voices of children – the primary stakeholders – to shift the approach from a process of planning for them to planning with them. Children cannot wait – not any longer!” said Mr. Sudarshan Suchi, CEO, Save the ChildrenApart from the impact, the report also suggests reforms that can be undertaken to improve the situation on the ground. Constructive guidelines prepared for safe return to Anganwadi centers and schools have been shared with the State Education Departments of Karnataka, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh along with safe return protocols including class-wise timetable, duration of sessions, safety procedures (i.e., sanitizing classrooms after each class and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits) to be followed, and re-course steps, if COVID-19 cases emerge.