When I visited Sindh province, some people were living on rooftops without running water or electricity. You can see dead animals nearby. In many other villages, people live temporarily on the side of the road or in camps set up by the government.
Our teams responded by delivering emergency aid in more than 20 counties. We have provided waterproof tents, medical services, cooked food, drinking water, emergency cash, warm clothes and equipment kits for women and girls.
We have also worked with local NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] establish safe spaces for women and girls because they are at risk of violence and exploitation, especially in times of crisis.
“Dignity Kit”? What is that?
Soaps, hygiene products and menstrual wipes are reusable.
Providing these kinds of services to women, is this something new?
I won’t say so. Among humanitarian organizations, we always have a comprehensive response.
However, in this emergency, we need to meet the unique needs of women and girls because women in rural Pakistan often don’t go out much. When disaster strikes, they are forced to leave their homes and live in makeshift situations. They often don’t know what to do. The social protection mechanism of the village and women has disappeared.
Many of our customers need to be protected from attack. No matter where they live, on the road or in the camp, they are in danger whenever they engage in their private activities. Women often have to travel long distances to meet sanitation or water requirements, in Pakistan this is women’s work. That leaves them vulnerable to attack.
We were able to help by providing 172 safe spaces for women and children in 20 areas hardest hit by flooding. Among them, we install solar-powered lighting so they can conduct their personal business more safely at night.
