**11. Conclusion**

The effects of COVID-19 have impacted on women's mental health due to an increased number of GBV during the national and international lockdown. It has impacted on women's mental health in peculiar ways as varying forms of abuses such as increased gender-based violence (GBV), which dehumanizes women. Across the globe, women have been notable victims of gender-based violence, but the surge of COVID-19 has worsened the records of GBV, particularly in the face of home confinement. The chapter provides a critical review of literature based on published research across 2020–2022 (and other available data documents) in relation to the effects of COVID-19 on women's mental health. Based on the reviewed articles, recommendations were made, reflecting the need for strategic adjustment, particularly for policy makers and for women themselves to be more proactive in being agentive toward self-protection.
