In Pakistan, almost 33 million people were affected by the recent floods. These floods have wreaked havoc on the vulnerable elements of society because of two concomitant issues: global climate change and Pakistan's political and institutional failure to manage anticipatory disasters.
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This disaster has disproportionately impacted the poor population, mostly in the affected regions, and the effects are having a significant impact on women who are already in a vulnerable position.
According to the UN Development Program (UNDP), women and children are fourteen times more likely than males to die because of natural disasters. Deep-seated gender inequality, aggravated by unemployment and ignorance, is making life even more difficult for women in the shadow of the flood disaster.
Pakistan is not regarded as a haven for vulnerable communities, particularly its female population. For many years, the country has been listed as one of the worst places for women in the areas of education, health, work, and safety.
According to the most recent Global Gender Gap Report, Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 146 countries, making it the second worst nation on earth in terms of gender equality. Despite the clear manifestations of difference across different gender groupings, the majority of Pakistanis do not recognize the existence of this inequality.
There is a widespread belief in the country that women are sufficiently respected and honored within the walls of their houses and do not need to venture outside to pursue their dreams. The societal construction of "honor" and the region's political-cultural history of women's enslavement is mostly to blame for the deterioration of their rights.
Recent flood-related issues have exacerbated women's already precarious situation. The men in some affected towns did not depart for rescue camps since it would be against their cultural traditions to take their ladies out of their towns to safety. While the families are dealing with sicknesses, food shortages, and other issues, they are unwilling to compromise their women's honor.
Women's health is likewise in a precarious state. Not to forget the water-borne ailments that will afflict many people because of standing water. The affected women's immediate health needs are not being treated seriously.
According to Human Rights Watch, 73,000 pregnant women are expected to give birth in the following month. Unfortunately, many of these women do not have sufficient access to the healthcare services that they require. Floods also devastated most of the hospital facilities and communication networks. This will be more difficult for women because hospitals or emergency clinics are geographically farther away.
Furthermore, because of the floods, women are more vulnerable to violence and abuse. Gender-based violence is anticipated to increase as a result of joblessness, house devastation, malnutrition, and uncertainty, comparable to how incidences of domestic abuse and gender-based violence grew dramatically during the COVID-19 lockdown.
According to studies, economic situations, financial uncertainty, and stress frequently place women in more vulnerable positions, making them more susceptible to abuse and violence.
Floods in Pakistan demonstrate how disasters affect men and women differently. To tackle the inequities and grievances of those affected, relief packages and rehabilitation programs must take a more gender-based approach. Unfortunately, this problem is rarely taken seriously, and the consequences for men and women are treated equally.
Policymakers must take a more women-centered approach to recognize and reduce the social hurdles, transportation difficulties, sanitary issues, healthcare challenges, and several other issues that increase women's vulnerability during disasters. Furthermore, women's participation in decision-making during this period is extremely important. Involving women as stakeholders can assist in handling women's issues more effectively.
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