Experiences of vulnerable girls from an informal settlement in South Africa during COVID-19 lockdowns

This chapter reports on a study that examined the impact of COVID-19 within a context of poverty and existing emotional vulnerabilities amongst girls in an informal settlement in South Africa. Findings highlight the young people's resilience, hope and determination to stand together and draw upon each other's strengths through extremely difficult experiences. Data were collected through a survey with 19 girls aged between 12 and 17 years and analysed using Maslow's theory of human motivation (1943) and Brammer's crisis theory (1985). Living conditions and socio-economic status influenced the girls' experiences of the COVID-19 lockdowns. Social distancing, in particular, was found to be a challenge in their living conditions. Despite this, the study found the girls to be sophisticated caring agents; they were resourceful, supportive of each other and resolute in their plans for the future, despite the impact of the pandemic. Recommendations are made for further research with female adolescents to inform future strategies and interventions in South Africa's informal settlements.