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Women living in fear of abuse after Nepal earthquake: Oxfam
Women in Nepal are living in fear of abuse because of a lack of privacy and security afforded by temporary shelters, Oxfam said today
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Women in Nepal are living in fear of abuse because of a lack of privacy and security afforded by temporary shelters, Oxfam said today.
Citing its research conducted in Dhading district, Oxfam says women and adolescent girls feel at risk of physical and sexual abuse in overcrowded temporary shelters where there is often no privacy or solid walls. Communal toilets and unlit areas are also highlighted as insecure places.
'Women are living in fear of physical abuse in temporary shelters. After living through two massive earthquakes, this situation is only compounding their trauma,' said country director for Oxfam in Nepal, Cecilia Keizer, on Tuesday.
'Women's safety and security concerns must be the top priority for the government and aid organizations.'
The aid agency says that in many of the
worst-affected districts, multiple families are living outdoors under tarpaulins or structures made from metal sheets. Poor access to health services and clean water is creating a health risk, especially for pregnant women.
'The situation is particularly worrying for single women, often widows and divorcees, who are commonly isolated within their communities. Such women get little support from communities to clear debris and build more permanent shelters. They also find it harder to access loans and compensation without the backing of a male guarantor,' said Oxfam.
UN Women estimates there are approximately 318,000 female-headed households in the 13 worst-affected districts of Nepal.
Oxfam says it has been conducting focus groups in rural areas to ensure women's needs are being heard and placed at the center of the earthquake response.
'So far this has involved distributing gender-specific hygiene kits and building separate toilet blocks for women and girls,' the agency says, adding it has also been providing counselling, and advice on maintaining hygiene to prevent diseases through radio programs. (ebf)(+++)
