Lamentations

By Shorai Matambanadzo, Mentor with Rise N Shine cluboutside Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

My education is interrupted, My protective structures disrupted Distress at times of crisis all in the mind, Violence abuse exploitation and neglect.

I am vulnerable to physical and mental health stressors. Sexual exploitation, Early and forced marriages.

I am blocked by social distancing measures Global lockdowns have locked me down I am stuck in my home of substance abuse, restricted by contact and movement. National and local responses, This!! should address and assess

My freedom is gone, I am regarded as second class and held back. My thoughts have been weakened by patriarchy.

My community has been plunged into extreme poverty. Hunger and starvation on the increase Worst cases Without access to spaces.

What a crisis? Sexual and reproductive health services, I am stigmatized for my menstrual cycle Child labor and gender-based violence, I am performing the bulk of care work, Unpaid and invisible. Inequalities heightened and amplified by the pandemic

Mathematical protection and safeguarding of us must be Emphasized, continuity of education in the form of distance learning, School closures on us Will bring about early marriages and unintended pregnancies What a catastrophe? Spread of myths and misconceptions around the virus and the stigmatization of those who fall ill, I am the hardest hit by this pandemic, But sooner or later, I will be the backbone of recovery and foundational to daily life and the economy.