October 07, 2006	Saturday	Ramazan 13, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 6: In the aftermath of October 8 catastrophe, women of the affected areas had become defenceless against increasing incidents of domestic violence, health problems and were overburdened with domestic responsibilities, said Oxfams Advocacy Officer, Yamina Mokrani.

She was speaking at the “National Recipient Conference of earthquake victims” arranged by Sungi Development Foundation at a local hotel on Friday.

The event focussed on developments since last years earthquake that killed 70,000 people mostly school children and women and rendering 3.5 million homeless.

Approaching winters, withering tents, lack of basic amenities, absence of standard schools, business community dilemma, besides many other concerns were part of the deliberations.

Yamina spoke of women’s increased vulnerability and how to minimise the impact of the last years disaster.

“October 8 earthquake had exacerbated the traditional gender gaps. Women were now sole bread earners in many cases. They travelled great distances to fetch water. Treatment on the ground is degrading, and the rural women did not have access to legal counselling or anyone to fill out their forms,” she said.

Women were largely absent from public debate and economic activities. Their work load and stress had increased.

“Poor women are responsible for livestock, collecting wood for fuel, agriculture and collection of water and now removal of rubble without recognition for their endless efforts to make ends meet,” said Yamina as she listed the concerns.

Last years earthquake had horrific consequences on young girls who had given up their studies and were taking care of their little brothers and sisters or the disabled members of their families.

“Young girls and women also feel exposed because they are living in temporary shelters and men, assessment teams and army roamed around,” she said.

Yamina said women were also experiencing domestic violence. In many cases disabled women were lying helpless and their husbands were remarrying to have someone share workload.

Gender Expert, Irene Tugono from Sungi stressed that policy makers must be sensitive to vulnerabilities of women. “Specially government should not overlook gender concerns because women suffered disproportionately.”

The October 8 disaster had left many women and children disabled and there were no facilities to help them in their helpless conditions, said Fiza Hamdani a resident from Muzaffarabad.

“Sadness engulfed the once bustling city of Balakot,” Munsif Hussain, “A year on we did not have proper homes, and 99 per cent of Balakot is still living in tents and other temporary shelters. Children have been exposed to extreme weather conditions. Clean drinking water is still not available.”

He wanted to return to normal life. But it seemed impossible because there were so many obstacles, Hussain said.

Khawaja Irfan and Kaisar Latif from Muzaffarabad sharing their ordeal said basic facilities were still required. “Our children sit under open skies because their schools have no roofs. Authorities supply non-filtered water from the rivers which has resulted in spread of diarrhoea and hepatitis specially among children.”