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Report of the Seminar

on

Debate on Gender Sensitive Approach to Disaster Response in Nepal

Sponsored by, Organized by,

Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES), Nepal Central Department of Home Science

Women’s Studies Program

Tribhuvan University

Prepared by,

Puspa Niraula-Ghimire

Women’s Studies Program

Poush, 2072 (Jan, 2016)

Introduction

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Disaster causes a serious threat to all aspects of life. Disasters result in death and cause physical,

psychological, economical and environmental damages. According to UNDP (2010)1, “Women

and children are 14 times more likely to die during disaster than men”. The risk of sexual

exploitation and gender-based violence- including rape, human trafficking and domestic abuses

also increase during and after disaster.

In Nepal, due to massive earthquake of 25 April and post-earthquake shocks many people lost

their property, livestock, crops and seed stocks and other agricultural and commercial assets,

which would sustain their livelihoods. Most of the houses in the rural areas were destroyed and

therefore many families forced to relocate to shelters2.

After-effects of natural disasters are not gender neutral and they have differential impact on

women and girls, and boys and men. Different evidences from all across the world depict that the

most vulnerable ones during crisis are women headed households, elderly people, pregnant

women, lactating mothers, disabled women and men and adolescent girls.

In Nepal, women are primarily responsible for domestic duties such as childcare and care for the

elderly or disabled; therefore they do not have the liberty of migrating to look for work following

disasters. Whereas, men often do migrate, leaving behind very high numbers of female-headed

households. Inadequate facilities for daily basics have increased women’s domestic burden and

at the same time her economic burdens, leaving her less freedom and mobility to look for

alternative sources of income.

In this context, a seminar was organized by the Central Department of Home Science and

Women’s Studies Program of the Tribhuvan University with the following objectives:

• To enable participants to acquire knowledge about the role of women in disaster.

• To debate on gender sensitive approach to disaster response in Nepal.

• To bring the students, teachers and other women activists at a common platform.                                                             1 UNDP Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery (2010) “Gender and Disasters”, UN Plaza, New York. 2 WHR (2015) “Rapid Market Assessment on Income Generation and Livelihood Support for the Earthquake Survivors in Dhading and lalitpur Districts of Nepal, A Report submitted to the Asia Foundation in Sep. 2015.

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• To analyze the situation of post disaster-earthquake management from a gender

perspective.

It was a half- day seminar conducted in two sessions:

Session I: Inauguration

Inauguration session was chaired by Prof. Ms. Erene Shrestha, Chief of Central Department of

Home Science and Women’s Studies Program (CDHS&WSP). The Chief Guest of the program

was Prof. Dr. Chinta Mani Pokharel, Dean of Humanities and Social Science of the Tribhuvan

University. Prof. Mr. Ramesh Shrestha, The Campus Chief of Padma Kanya M. Campus, Ms.

Samira Poudel, The Gender Expert of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nepal and Mr. Dev Raj

Dahal, The Director of FES Nepal and Mr. Bhumi Nepal, The President of Nepal Professor’s

Association were the key note speakers of the seminar.

At the beginning, Prof. Ms. Erene Shrestha from the CDHS&WSP of the T.U. welcomed all the

distinguished guests, representative from the FES and other organizations, colleagues, students

and other participants. In her welcome speech Prof. Ms. Shrestha expressed that it is an honor for

the department to organize seminar such a crucial and sensitive matter and discuss on different

aspects of such an unforeseen natural disaster, i.e., the earthquake, intensively.

On the occasion Campus Chief Prof. Mr. Ramesh Shrestha highlighted on the course Post

Graduate Diploma in Women’s Studies as being introduced to breakdown the disparity between

women and men at all levels. About the situation of people aftermath of disasters, Prof. Shrestha

expressed that men usually remain outside from the household for work so the victims of

earthquake used to be women and children. As a result of Nepal’s earthquake of 25 April and

post-earthquake shocks, many women and children became homeless; many women get

widowed, and children are living under difficult circumstances, so relief, reconstruction and

rehabilitation programs should be carried out immediately at every level. For relief fund

distribution, government should be responsible.

Mr. Dev Raj Dahal, The Director from FES Nepal talked about the establishment of FES and the

areas that it basically focuses, which are: democracy and freedom; civic education, social

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(gender) justice and solidarity and cooperation. He further stated that it also focuses on women’s

education and transformation on the basis of humanity. He stressed that our society needs to be

resilient towards gender equality. Our economic policies should be sustainable and distributive.

Our youth needs to be more fascinated by rural areas. Our education or the knowledge system

needs to be reflective, critical and transformative. He added that FES not only works on

networking, shows commitment towards every activity of P.K. Campus.

About the post-earthquake management, Mr. Dahal emphasized that for the reconstruction of

earthquake resistant houses; state should take initiative and it needs to be sustainable. Since

natural disaster affects more to women than men, they should be involved at all stages disaster

risk management. Women’s need and concerns and expertise should be incorporated while

formulating disaster management policies and rebuilding of damaged infrastructures. Women

friendly technology should be used to facilitate women in reconstruction and rehabilitation

processes.

Ms. Samira Poudel, The Gender Expert from FES thanked everyone and talked about the works

that has been carried out by FES all over the world. She shared as an oldest political foundation

FES is working for promoting democracy, gender justice and equality both nationally and

internationally. On March 2015, FES celebrated its 90th years of establishment in Germany and

at present they have offices in more than 100 countries. They also have a Gender Coordinator at

every office. She further shared that in the Year 1012, its Gender Strategy was to increase access

to resources for women. About women’s situation in Nepal, she expressed that women are

mostly affected by various traditional beliefs and practices such as Chhaupadi, Kamlari, Badi,

Deauki, etc. In order to get rid from these ill practices, she stressed that more women should

come forward and participate in all aspects of decision-making for social transformation.

Mr. Bhumi Nepal from Nepal Professor’s Association started his speech through festival

greetings and expressed that reconstruction of damaged houses and properties and rehabilitation

of the survivors are sensitive issues, which need urgent attention.

On the occasion Prof. Dr. Chinta Mani Pokharel, The Dean of Humanities and Social Science of

the T.U. opined that theory almost fails, therefore every efforts of women’s empowerment need

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to be very much practical. According to Prof. Pokharel, post disaster management efforts also

need to be very much practical and gender responsive. There has been some preliminary steps

being carried out by the government, but various aspects of human needs and concerns, e.g.,

sanitation, housing, and other differential needs of people are still needs to be addressed. So for

this, there should have massive consultation and dialogue with the survivors and other affected

for their felt needs and other issues identification. At the end, he thanked FES for their

continuous support on such sensitive issues.

At the end of inauguration session, Assoc. Prof. Ms. Ama Vaidya, Coordinator of Women’s

Studies Program thanked all distinguished guest and the participants for providing their valuable

time and inputs in the seminar.

The inauguration session was hosted by Ms. Purnima Thapa, student of 18th Batch, Women’s

Studies Program.

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Session II: Technical Session

The technical session was chaired by Ms. Laxmi Keshari Manandhar, Professor and Ex- Chief of

CDHS&WSP of the T.U. Two thematic papers were presented during the technical session. The

first paper, entitled “Gender Sensitive Approach to Disaster Response: An Overview of 2015

Earthquake in Nepal” was presented by Dr. Rajju MallaDhakal, Executive Director of South

Asia Center for Policy Studies (SACEPS). Dr. Indira Sharma, Professor from the CDHS&WSP

of the T.U. was the commentator of Dr. MallaDhakal’s paper.

The second paper entitled “Earthquake effect and Gender Politics Baisakh 12 earthquake,

flashback from gender perspectives” was presented by Mr. Dhan Prasad Pandit, Professor

from Gender Studies and Political Science of the P.K. Campus, T.U. Dr. Bindu Pokhrel,

Professor of the Women’s Studies and Gender Studies of the T.U. was the commentator of Prof.

Pandit’s paper. All the two papers with their comments are given in Annexes.

Paper I: Gender Sensitive Approach to Disaster Response: A Review of 2015 Earthquake

in Nepal by Dr. Rajju MallaDhakal

Major Highlights of the paper,

Dr. Malla started her paper by saying that gender does not only talks about women, but also talks

about men and the third sex. Dr. Malla in her paper highlighted that due to the devastating

earthquakes of 25 April and 12 May 2015 and post-earthquake shocks in 14 crisis-hit districts,

approximately 9,000 people lost their lives, among which 55% were women. Over 22,300 people

were injured with more than half a million houses collapsed or are damaged.

Gender dimension of earthquake of response: Dr. Malla expressed that gender stereotypes in

work/role division contribute to differential impact of earthquake. Women into HH chores are

more vulnerable to death than men. She emphasized that for an effective humanitarian response

it is critical to understand how crisis affects women and men, girls and boys of different ages,

social conditions, disability, geography, and other diversities. Gender sensitive and socially

inclusive approach to disaster response is about better targeting and programming responses

according to the distinct needs of all women, men and children.

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Emergency Relief Distribution: Dr. Malla has highlighted that in "crisis-hit districts" there are

284,144 female HH, 31,609 women with disabilities, 138,032 over the age of 65, and 609,247

girls aged 14 or under (Census 2011), who need emergency relief and humanitarian assistance.

Although emergency relief materials such as, food, clothes, temporary shelters and primary

health care (including 'dignity kits' for women and adolescent girls) were provided by the

government, CSOs and individuals, however, a little attention was paid to vulnerable women due

to insufficient relief materials, remoteness of the affected areas and poor weather conditions.

For temporary shelters, tents were also not adequate in number so, makeshift shelters were made

by using tarpaulins, the supply of which also were inadequate. This situation forced women to

share facilities with relatives and neighbors, which increased the risk of GBV for women

including trafficking of women and children. Criminal networks were involved in trafficking of

women and children (Guardian).

Recovery and reconstruction programs: Total 498,852 houses were totally damaged due to

earthquake, of which 26% belonged to female HH, 41% to Dalits and indigenous groups and

23% to senior citizens. The government’s announcement to provide 15 thousand rupees each to

damaged household was a small hope to the survivors. People are also waiting for building back

better homes. Some of them have already started rebuilding their houses on their own.

Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA) has identified that the most vulnerable to be affected

by any disasters are women, children, disabled and senior citizens. Therefore it advocates that

reconstruction programs needs to be inclusive and gender empowering. Dr. Malla concluded her paper by saying that Nepal government’s response efforts towards

comprehensive disaster management exposed its unpreparedness. Rural poor women lack access

to information especially about the relief and recovery programs including the entitlements

available through the government. Even in 21st century gender continues to be one of the weakest

areas of disaster response in Nepal.

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Some key recommendations given Dr. Malla were,

• Recovery strategies must strive to safeguard, restore, and promote economic engagement

of disadvantaged groups.

• Institutionalization of gender responsive budgeting mechanism, which aims to translate

commitments to gender equality into reality for women, will be applied to all recovery

and reconstruction programs.

Details of Dr. Malla’s paper have given in the Annex-II.

As mentioned earlier, Prof. Dr. Indira Sharma was the commentator of Dr. Malla’s paper. Prof.

Sharma commented on the paper as:

The paper presented by Dr. Rajju Malla has expressed the reality of existing patriarchal society.

Due to this, gender discrimination still exists in Nepalese society even after multiple efforts to

bring gender equity and equality and also to empower women.

The paper explicitly explained the incidence of catastrophic earthquake of 12th and 29th Baisakh,

2072 B.S. causing the death of approximately 9,000 people and injuring more than 22,000

people. Due to gender roles more affected were women and children, because they tend to spend

more time in indoor chores.

The paper focused on the basic needs of women and girls of reproductive age, including pregnant

women, women in post natal period and their new born babies which were unmet due to natural

disaster.

Gender based violence in the form of sexual violence and trafficking were another risk for

women during and after disaster. Many cases of GBV were not even reported because of ijjat as

viewed from Nepalese cultural perspective.

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As reviewed in the paper approximately 498,852 houses were damaged which constrained

women’s ability to engage in home-based economy and income generation thus making them

poorest among the poor.

According to paper presenter in the recovery program PDNA was done which recommended

some relief to the survivors of earthquake especially those vulnerable women like, single women

(including widows, divorcee, separated), senior citizen, women with no children, but the

government was too slow to implement the programs as suggested by PDNA although financial

support by international group was very encouraging.

At the end, Prof. Sharma congratulated the author Dr. Rajju Malla for presenting such a sensitive

and time specific issue on gender dimension of earthquake response in Nepal.

Paper II: “Earthquake effect and Gender Politics Baisakh 12 earthquake, flashback from

gender perspectives” by Prof. Dhan Prasad Pandit

Major Highlights of the paper,

Experiences about earthquake: Prof. Pandit started his presentation with his own childhood

experience of earthquake. He also provided data about the death (more than 8,600), injuries

(more than 16,000), displacement (6,70,000 people), etc. of 14 most affected districts. A slight

variation in data was observed between two papers, which may be due to differences in sources.

Gender Impact of Earthquake: Women have been disproportionately affected by earthquake.

The data presented shows that of the total who lost their lives 38% were women and 17% were

girls (total 55% women), while only 30% were men and 14% were boys. Similarly, 29% of them

were illiterate, 6% women over 64 yrs old, 28% girls under 14 yrs old, 1.5% women with

disabilities and 35% were other women.

Prof. Pandit, “existing scenario of 35,00,000 male migrants in contrast to 3,00,000 female

migrants is showing cause behind more female presence in houses, taking care of their families

and households, so when they face disaster it’s obvious they will be impacted more by it”.

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Gender dimension was also observed in recovery process. Single women, female-headed

households, women with disabilities and older women reported having discrimination in access

to relief and information. However, women are not only victims/survivors rather they have

knowledge and practical skills, which are critical to every level of relief and recovery efforts.

The absence of local authority created problem in directing rescue operation and relief materials

distribution so this time, people realized the dire need of local governance.

Unseen Politics behind relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction: Prof. Pandit praised the role

played by self-motivated youths and civil society groups, however according to him there was

problem of coordination and lots of questionable loopholes that needs to be answered. Even

NGOs and IMGOs showed unpreparedness including the private sectors.

This time Nepal government accepted not only cash or kind assistance from other countries

rather also accepted military rescue or operation for disaster management from 34 countries. As

a result Nepalese security capacity, secrecy and strategic position were exposed to foreign

Army’s presence.

There was different interest group during rescue operation and rehabilitation after earthquake

damage. Some countries operation mission was involved strategic point through drone and

helicopter. Foreign Donors were willing to run rescue and rehabilitation work by themselves so

they could inject their relation through aid package. Few area Bible was distributed with relief

packages.

He concluded the paper by saying that where there is money, there is politics so, we should think

about nation and learn from disaster.

Details of Prof. Pandit’s paper have given in the Annex-III.

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As mentioned earlier, Prof. Dr. Bindu Pokharel was the commentator of Prof. Pandit’s paper.

Prof. Pokharel commented on the paper as:

Natural hazard becomes disaster when we do not have adequate capacities to respond it. After

the 2015 earthquake in Nepal we felt that we were not able to develop our capacities needed to

deal with such natural hazards therefore it became a great disaster. We realize that our

institutions were not capacitated as required. It was clear from the evidences that the first few

hours of such event outsider can -not reach to the affected areas, the first response comes from

the people around who survived. Therefore local group's capacity development should be the

first priority. Local clubs, women's groups should be equipped and train to response.

Gender is everywhere, socially constructed roles, and power relations shape experiences

differently though the shake of earth was felt by all. The experience after the earthquake was

gendered. Women and men have faced the event differently according to their ascribed and

achieved status and roles (age, class, caste, occupation, physical condition and so forth). Women

and men vary in needs, priorities, and capacities in Setting of disaster and their salience also

varies because of differential vulnerabilities. Disaster preparation without incorporation of

gender will not address women's issues and needs.

Congratulating Prof. Pandit for the paper with gathering of lots of data, Prof . Pokharel told that

the paper highlights the politics that different interest groups played during relief works. He

brought the fact that state failed to coordinate these groups and manage relief activities according

to the needs of people, though the youth volunteers of Nepal and abroad did very good works.

He gave some examples of the activities of different nations during relief which were questioned

by neighboring countries. In this globalized world every nation has its own strategies to

influence other nations to increase its power in region and world. Nepal was not strong enough to

table its own interest and minimize unnecessary influence; therefore as Pandit sir says Nepalese

leader must work together to make consensus on nation's interest.

Though Armed Police force and other security force involved and did appreciative role in reliefs

it was not mark to people's expectation. This was because lack of adequate equipments and lack

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of clarity of the roles of national and international groups involved providing relief. This was

because Nepal was not able to keep its interest and manage relief works. National interest was

not set and the lack of clarity on the roles and responsibility of different offices was visible in

relief works. According to Pandit sir, it was discernible that the state did not have a good action

oriented plans and preparation to face natural hazards though there are offices for this purpose.

Such events also brought changes on gender roles, women and men came out of stereotypical

gender roles. Such changes need to be recognized and established. Now I think it’s a time to

involve in feminist politics that will turn this situation for gender equality.

At the end, Prof. Pokharel added that we need not have only action oriented plans but also

gender incorporated plans to face natural hazards and prevent them to become disaster.

For the second session, Vote of Thanks was provided by Ms. Laxmi Keshari Manandhar,

Professor of the CDHS&WS of the T.U and opened the session for question and answers and

suggestions.

Question and Answer Session:

After the two papers, the floor was opened for question and answers and comments and

solutions.

Since the area of both papers was quite new and participants already had their own experiences,

all of them enjoyed the papers a lot and very few questions were asked. Some of them are:

Prof. Dr. Indira Sjarma supporting to Prof. Pandit said we should or we could rebuild our houses

by ourselves rather than depending on other for money or other assistance, with their direct

intervention on our internal matters.

1. How do you interpret from research framing/analytical thinking?

The question was asked to Dr. Malla. She responded as:

An in depth study is required.

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2. What is gender politics?

3. What would be the solutions for disaster response management (way out)??

The question was asked to Prof. Pandit. He responded as:

Disaster occurs every 80-100 yrs, we need to make resilient houses, and women

should be supported until we can stand on our own feet.

4. One of the participants, the ex-students of Gender Studies suggested that in addition to

the situation analysis during and after earthquake, it would be better to have some

solutions or the measures with specifying the role of government and role of civil society.

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Annexes

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Annex: I

Program Schedule

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Annex II: Dr. Rajju MallaDhakal’s paper

 

 

 

 

 

Gender Sensitive Approach to Disaster Response: An Overview of 2015 Earthquake in Nepal 

 

 

By  

Rajju MallaDhakal Executive Director 

South Asia Center for Policy Studies (SACEPS)  

 

Presented at a Seminar organized by Women’s Studies Program, Padma Kanya Campus  

in partnership with FES Nepal    

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Understanding Gender in Nepali Context (gender does not mean women) The relationships between men and women in a patriarchal society like Nepal are powerful forces that shape the actual roles and responsibilities of women and men, girls and boys in all spheres of life. The patriarchal definition of gender role leads to inequalities in terms of women’s access to and control over resources including decision-making powers at the household level and in the community. It is clear that these attributes, opportunities and relationships are socially constructed and are learned through socialization processes. Although the gender roles are believed to be context- and time-specific, and hence changeable, they are very much present in Nepali society even today in one form or the other. Many development programs have attempted to change this age-old tradition by promoting gender equality in Nepal. Given that women are often in a disadvantaged position, most programs explicitly focus on women's empowerment which has led to some people using the term ‘gender’ as synonym to ‘women’. But gender does not mean women.

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Gender Sensitive Approach to Disaster Response: An Overview of 2015 Earthquake in

Nepal

Catastrophic Earthquake of 2015

The catastrophic earthquakes of 25 April and 12 May 2015 including over 300 aftershocks

greater than magnitude 4.0 devastated parts of central and western Nepal that included hard-to-

reach isolated mountainous areas. Fourteen of the thirty-one affected districts were declared

‘crisis-hit’. As per the latest estimates approximately 9,000 people lost their lives and over

22,300 people were injured with more than half a million houses collapsed or are damaged. It is

speculated that the time and day of the earthquake saved thousands of lives as schools were

closed on Saturday. The death toll of school age children could have been much higher as almost

7,000 school buildings were damaged. PDNA estimated that the lives of eight million people,

almost one-third of the population of Nepal, have been impacted by the earthquake.

Gender Dimension of Earthquake 2015

The disastrous earthquake exposed the inequities in Nepali society and its different impacts on

women, men, girls and boys of Nepal belonging to different age, socio-economic strata and

districts. Each experienced distinct vulnerabilities owing to their gender roles which shaped the

way they experienced disaster. The earthquake disproportionately impacted the poor and

vulnerable including women largely residing in the rural areas.

Gender based stereotypes about what men and women can and cannot do, or should and should

not do, also contributed to differential impacts of earthquake often with devastating

consequences. It must be noted that over 55% of the total dead are women and girls. The higher

female death toll reiterates the findings of similar experiences of other countries that poor

women are more vulnerable to natural disasters that occur during the daytime as many live in

unsafe houses and tend to spend more time indoors. It is partly because of gendered roles that

disproportionately assign indoor household chores to women (PDNA, 2015). Experiences of

other countries have also shown that mortality rates in disasters are higher for women than for

men. As per UNDP this is more so in countries like Nepal where gender discrimination is

accepted as part of the culture.

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Why Gender Sensitive Approach to Earthquake Response?

It is important that the disaster response addresses the needs of all, women, men and children.

However for an effective humanitarian response it is critical to understand how crisis affects

women and men, girls and boys of different ages, social conditions, disability, geography, and

other diversities. It must be noted that each group has distinct responsibilities, limitations,

protection needs and priorities. Hence, they are exposed to differential risks and vulnerabilities

and bring different strengths and weaknesses that can play important roles in responding to

emergencies within their respective communities. Gender sensitive approach and social inclusion

is about better targeting and programming responses accordingly and therefore it is about the

effectiveness of humanitarian action.

The importance of gender sensitive and socially inclusive approach to disaster response in Nepal

is not just because of its geographic, ethnic, cultural and socio-economic (poverty) diversity in

the 14 ‘crisis hit’ districts and their differential needs, but also because women and girls

belonging to diverse ethnic/caste groups are additionally disadvantaged and vulnerable than men

and boys. Their vulnerability is not only because of biological and physiological differences, but

also because of inequitable power relations stemming from these differences. These

disadvantages can get amplified within the communities, especially when women are young,

single, divorced, widowed or childless. The following section examines the gender sensitivity of

emergency relief and humanitarian assistance in the immediate aftermath of the 2015 earthquake

in Nepal.

Emergency Relief and Humanitarian Assistance to Earthquake Survivors

Against the resource and time constraints effective, accountable and timely humanitarian relief

and recovery was the main aim of the government, national and international humanitarian

agencies, groups and individuals in the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in

April and May 2015. Noteworthy was the spontaneous support by the Nepalese men and women

particularly youths which tried to ensure that the different needs and capacities of women, girls,

boys and men are met. Nonetheless, the country faced a huge challenge both at national and

local level to coordinate and bring large numbers of agencies to work together – each offering

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different human and financial resources, organizations, tools and practitioners working on relief

and protection -- to respond to humanitarian crises of this proportion.

The remoteness of several villages in the affected areas, coupled with poor weather, hampered

relief operations during the initial days. The distribution of relief material also proved

challenging because of the rugged terrain, threat of landslides, and logistical difficulties.

Moreover as many district level public service offices were damaged they were not able to

function until tents and temporary shelters were established.

Emergency Relief Distribution (immediate)

The immediate focus of the government and all other agencies (civil society organizations,

humanitarian groups and individuals) was on distribution of generic emergency relief packages

that consisted of food items, water, tents (shelter), clothing and medicines. The unpreparedness

of the government agencies was apparent in their struggling emergency relief coordination and

distribution efforts. Little attention was paid to the specific needs of the groups like women,

infants and small children. More importantly the needs of the vulnerable women particularly the

pregnant women, nursing mothers, elderly women and women with disability including

adolescent girls were not responded to through the emergency relief distribution.

Integrated gender analysis across all clusters and sectors of disaster response was sorely missed.

The Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA 2015) later identified pregnant women, women in

post natal period and new born babies as the single largest vulnerable group.

Some civil society organizations (national and international) working in the Reproductive Health

and Gender Based Violence sprang into action to galvanize support for the vulnerable women

survivors of earthquake. The Inter-Cluster Gender Task Force was established soon after with the

involvement of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare, UN Agencies and Civil

Society Organizations and women’s groups which prompted local NGOs, groups and individuals

to distribute ‘dignity kits’ for women and adolescent girls as part of the emergency relief. The

task force and the women’s groups also advocated for the gender-sensitive relief distribution for

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earth-quake survivors and appealed to all donors (institutional and individual) to be mindful of

the special needs of the pregnant women, nursing mothers and other vulnerable women.

UNICEF established 15 shelter homes in eight of the highly affected districts namely Dhading,

Dolakha, Gorkha, Kavre, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, and Sindhupalchok for pregnant women,

postnatal mothers and their newborn and under five children. The shelter homes were also

provided with family hygiene and ‘dignity kits’ to address the basic needs of women and girls of

reproductive age.

According to the 2011 census the ‘crisis hit’ districts housed a total of 284,144 female headed

households, 31,609 women with disabilities, 138,032 women over the age of 65, and 609,247

girls aged 14 or under. Among them 630,678 women and girls are illiterate. Likewise according

to UNFPA, about a million children and over 1.4 million females of reproductive age lived in the

14 ‘crisis hit’ districts. They also estimated approximately 138,000 female population are or will

be pregnant in these districts in next 12 months. Of this figure, 18,600 will need obstetric care,

they predicted.

Temporary Shelters

Attempt was made to establish temporary shelters immediately with official support in

designated public spaces. However, due to the lack of government preparedness supply of

adequate numbers of tents within such a short period was not possible. Hence makeshift shelters

was made using tarpaulins --the supply of which also proved inadequate as the fear of being

trapped drove many families, including those whose houses had not been damaged, to seek

temporary shelter in the open.

It must be understood that women are susceptible to incidence of gender-based violence during

and after disasters. Inadequate makeshift shelters in terms of quality and quantity often force

women to share the facility with families and neighbors which can increase the GBV risks for

women. In addition location and design of shelters and latrines reportedly made women feel

unsafe. Although a specific data on GBV is not available rumors of such incidents were rife in

various camps. This should also be viewed from the cultural perspective which discourages

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reporting of such incidents because of “ijjat”. High GBV in makeshift camps can be predicted

based on the recorded incidents of gender-based violence prior to the earthquake. The National

Demographic Health Survey (2011) indicated that 22% of women aged 15-49 had experienced

physical violence and 12% had experienced sexual violence.

Likewise impunity for perpetrators of violence and a breakdown of social structures that is often

prevalent in a crisis also result into increased the risk of GBV, and other forms of sexual and

gender-based exploitation including trafficking. There were reports of trafficking of women and

children from the camps promising women and girls jobs, proposing marriage, or seeking

adoption during and after the disaster struck. Various daily vernaculars reported that groups of

trafficked women were returned from India while others were stopped at the border between

Nepal and India. According to a report in the Guardian (5 May 2015), criminal networks are

using cover of rescue effort to target poor rural communities in Nepal for trafficking women

from the country.

Access to Government Relief Entitlements

Out of the total 498,852 houses damaged in the earthquake, about 26 percent of the houses

belonged to female-headed households, 41 percent to Dalits and indigenous communities, and 23

percent belong to senior citizens (PDNA 2015). The destruction of homes and household assets

has constrained women’s ability to engage in home based economies and income generation. The

government’s announcement to provide 15 thousand rupees each to damaged household was a

small hope to the survivors of the earthquake.

Although earthquake did not discriminate anybody, women, men, girls and boys experienced its

impacts differently. A large number of women, in particular single women, and female-headed

households, women with disabilities and older women were unaware of the relief entitlements

announced by the government. The few who were aware of the announcement found the

administrative process complex and discriminating in accessing the relief entitlements. Lack of

government efforts to reach out to vulnerable communities particularly women with intelligible

information about government relief and recovery packages created confusions and frustrations.

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The women and girls in Nepal have always experienced low levels of access to opportunities

such as education, healthcare, economic, social and political prior to the earthquake.

Furthermore, large numbers of women and girls are marginalized by traditional practices such as

exclusion during menstruation and caste designations which exacerbate the level of

discrimination. The ongoing crisis is likely to greatly heighten the level of vulnerability amongst

women and girls which can affect their access to government relief and recovery package.

Recovery and Reconstruction Program

The government successfully commissioned a comprehensive Post Disaster Needs Assessment

(PDNA) with the support of various donor partners aiming to galvanize support for the

reconstruction financing. Despite the time constraint the quality and scope of PDNA is

commendable which also sought representation of expert women. In this respect the PDNA

rightly reflects the needs of the women and marginalized communities and advocates their

representation in all steps of decision making and implementation.

However the government has been frustratingly slow in formulating and implementing the

recovery and reconstruction policy and program. Almost six months after the earthquake the

people from the 14 ‘crisis districts’ are still waiting for concrete policies and programs from the

government to guide ‘building back better’ while some has started rebuilding in the hazard area

on their own. Although the government was quick to announce a reconstruction authority it is

still incomplete awaiting cabinet approval. Only time will tell how inclusive will be the authority

and the recovery and reconstruction program.

Women have been disproportionately impacted by the series of earthquakes; however, the

tendency of the government to view them mostly as passive victims has not changed. It is crucial

that women and girls participate in discussions and decision-making processes including the

assessment, planning and implementation of the humanitarian and early recovery response is

important to ensure the needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls are identified and

addressed. There should be no discrimination based on sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, class,

caste, ethnicity or ability at all stages of the humanitarian response – relief, recovery and

rehabilitation.

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UN Women and the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Welfare facilitated a meeting with

national women’s groups and civil society organizations days after the earthquake. Together

they developed a “Common Charter of Women’s Demands for Gender Equality and Women’s

Empowerment in the Humanitarian Response” addressing the humanitarian response and early

recovery strategic planning.

Overview of Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) in PDNA

PDNA recognizes that women, who comprise more than half the population, constitute the single

largest disadvantaged group to be adversely affected across key sectors. It also identifies women,

children, senior citizens, PLWDs, and minorities as the most vulnerable to be affected by a

disaster. Moreover it also highlights the potential competition for resources that could further

increase discrimination of women, the elderly, PLWDs, Dalits and indigenous communities.

Among other things, PDNA advocates reconstruction programs to be inclusive and to ensure

mechanisms for facilitating joint ownership and female ownership are in place, adhered to and

monitored.

It suggests women and certain social groups (that are disproportionately affected) should not

simply be viewed as victims. They have knowledge, social and practical skills that are critical for

recovery. It advocates for institutional representation of discriminated social groups in the

recovery program to ensure that they benefit equally from it and, more importantly, are not

marginalized further through lack of access to the program.

Some of the key recommendations are as follows:

• Sustained support and monitoring of protection issues, accompanied by provision of

alternative livelihoods, will be crucial. Cash transfers to most vulnerable households will

be essential in order to reduce the pressure on them to resort to negative coping

mechanisms.

• Recovery strategies must strive to safeguard, restore, and promote economic engagement

of disadvantaged groups. Alternative livelihoods must be promoted to build resilience in

the long term.

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• Measures to support and promote attainment of ownership and tenure rights are crucial to

ensure that post-disaster recovery programs do not reinforce the inequalities faced by

women and vulnerable social groups. Similarly, mechanisms to support certification and

registration of women and children to facilitate ownership of land andhomes and

citizenship should be in place.

• The government’s institutionalized gender responsive budgeting mechanism, which aims

to translate commitments to gender equality into reality for women, will be applied to all

recovery and reconstruction programs. Monitoring mechanisms will be established to

ensure that key issues are addressed, and to track progress and facilitate accountability.

Overall Observation

While government of Nepal claimed to have comprehensive disaster management programs, its

actual response efforts exposed its unpreparedness. In the aftermath of the disaster rural folks’

particularly women’s access to information was dismal –they were not aware of the relief and

recovery programs including the entitlements available through the government. Nonetheless as

shown by women in Gorkha and other districts they are the ones at the frontline as responders to

disaster playing significant roles towards recovery. However, the important roles women take on

have not been recognized yet, and it is likely that women will remain “largely marginalized in

the development of policy and decision-making processes and their voices will go unheard.”

Although Brookings Review (2012) reports gender dimensions of natural disasters have gained

increasing recognition at the international level since the 1990s, attention to gender continues to

be one of the weakest areas of disaster response in Nepal and other countries.

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References

A Practical Guide to Gender-Sensitive Approach for Disaster Management; International

Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 2010

Gender and Disasters; Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery, UNDP; October 2010

Nepal Earthquake 2015: Post Disaster Needs Assessment, Volume A, Key Findings; National

Planning Commission, Government of Nepal; 2015

The Year of Recurring Disasters: A review of Natural Disasters in 2012; By Elizabeth Ferris,

DanialPitz and Chareen Stark: The Brookings Institution and London School of

Economics, March 2013

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Annex: III Prof. Dhana Prasad Pandit’s paper

One day seminar

2072-6-24

By Gender Studies

With Collaboration of FES/Nepal

Earthquake effect and Gender Politics Baisakh 12 earthquake, flashback from gender

perspectives

A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society causing widespread human,

material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected community

or society to cope using its own resources is termed as natural disaster. Among the range of

disasters earthquake is one of them. Nepal is as disaster prone country. Floods, landslides,

epidemics and fires cause considerable loss of life and property in Nepal every year.

Earthquakes, on the other hand are not so frequent, but have the potential for causing the greatest

damage. Nepal is seismic prone country and the risk it faces from earthquakes is very high.

Nepal is among the high risk countries in terms of earthquake occurrences. Past records have

shown that Nepal can expect two earthquakes of magnitude 7.5-8 on the Richter scale every forty

years and one earthquake of magnitude of 8+ in Richter scale every eight years. Recent

earthquake on 25th April, 2015, with magnitude of 7.8 Richter scale followed by hundreds of

aftershock is last great earthquake faced by Nepal.

When a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on April 25, almost 5, 00,000 infrastructures

were damaged fully or partially, almost 6, 70,000 people were displaced, ultimately more than

8,600 lost their lives in the tragedy and more than 16,000 were injured. One might think that a

natural disaster such as an earthquake does not discriminate but women, men, girls, and boys

experience their impacts differently. In case of country like Nepal with its own limitation and

socially segregated gender roles even natural disasters were not gender neutral. Not only do

natural disasters kill women more than men – but in Nepal, 38% of those who lost their lives

were women and 17% were girls, while only 30% were men and 14% were boys – the recovery

process has a gendered dimension as well. Existing scenario of 35,00,000 male migrants in

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contrast to 3,00,000 female migrants is showing cause behind more female presence in houses

taking care of their families and households, so when they face disaster it’s obvious they will be

impacted more by it.

In the earthquake and following aftershocks, disasters and crisis situations often exacerbate

previously existing dimensions of marginalization, discrimination, and vulnerability. That is

precisely what is happening today in Nepal. Even before the earthquake, women and girls in

Nepal faced discrimination, violence, and additional day-to-day difficulties simply as a result of

their gender. It is imperative that we consider the gendered dimensions of disaster when we think

about supporting people through the relief and recovery phases. In Nepal, women, in

particular single women, female-headed households, women with disabilities and older women,

are reporting discrimination in access to relief and information. Men are experiencing higher

levels of stress due to their inability to fulfill their traditional gender role as family providers,

leading to a reported increase in substance abuse and other risky behaviors.

Women have been disproportionately impacted by the earthquakes; however, simply viewing

them as victims only exacerbates their vulnerability. Women have knowledge, relationships and

practical skills that are critical to every level of relief and recovery efforts. It is crucial that there

is no discrimination based on sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, class, ethnicity or ability at all

stages of the humanitarian response. The unique needs of women, men, girls and boys –

including security, health and access to services must be incorporated in analyses of disaster risk

and post disaster risk assessments, while also recognizing their right to dignity. Not all

women and girls are equally vulnerable and not all men and boys are equally less vulnerable.

Unseen politics behind relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction:

Following news of such devastation, international attention quickly turned to this tiny country

sandwiched between two giant nations China and India – like “a yam between two boulders” as a

local saying goes. Immediately after the disaster, there was a chaos situation in all the disaster

touched, the most severe case could be represented by the situation of Kathmandu valley. The

capital city of nation when got hit as district on the cover range of disaster epicenter at Gorkha,

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people in valley nearly felt government less for first few hours. The role played by self-

motivated youth was worth praising, but in that also government coordination has lots of

questionable loopholes on its capability of channeling that manpower in right direction. In youth

mobilization the role of young women and girls whether it was in hospital arena, adjoining

camps or heavily affected villages of Gorkha or Sindhupalchowk was commendable. Many

youth studying and staying abroad even showed their enthusiasm in human welfare. It also got

time to unify Nepal, but from governance perspective, lots of loopholes were seen during the

time of disaster. Even though there was disaster preparedness plan on paper and well specified

channel mentioned in the plan but at the time of disaster absence of local authority created

confusion in directing relief operational plan. Undesirably we have to accept that the tough time

showed us real capability, effectiveness and government preparedness for disaster. We even

faced the bitter reality of our government devoid of 100 tents for each districts as well. People

for the first time thus realized the dire need of local governance.

There is always role played by local and international politics in every scenario. Similarly in case

of last earthquake many factors played role. UNDP Nepal and its agency increase 33%

allowance after earthquake disaster in Nepal showing the cause of danger zone. Instead of

helping effected people in earthquake damaged district, donor countries and agencies spent 40

billion rupees directly without government consultation.

This condition got worse when the disaster relief operation was supported by

Politics is involved in each and every step relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Way forward:

When consulting communities both women and men need to be engaged, as well as the different

ethnic groups, castes and/or social classes represented in those communities.

Problem of Human security and Natural or Human Disaster??

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Human Security Network : "A human world where people can live in security and dignity ,free

from poverty and despair , is still a dream for many and should be enjoyed by all .In such a world

every individual would be guaranteed freedom from fear and freedom from want ,with an equal

opportunity to fully develop their human potential .Building human security is essential to

achieving this goal .In essence ,human security means freedom from pervasive threats to people's

right ,their safety or even their lives ."

Government of Japan:

"Human security may be defined as the preservation and protection of the life and dignity of

individual human being. Japan holds the view, as do many other countries, that human security

can be ensured only when the individual is confident of a life free of fear and free of want."

Nepal is facing human security situation after Earthquake ,which is not change in to safety and

security for the effected People .Now Indian Economic Blocked add more security threat after

7.8 MT Earthquake .

Conclusion

Price of Rescue mission: - Few Military Areas are still Under Foreign presence. Though there

were 34 Countries Military Lead Operation Group Involve after Earthquake Disaster

management. Nepal do not welcome foreign Assistance and Human involvement in Rescue

During BS 1990 Earth Quake .First time Nepal welcome Foreign Assistance Cash or Kind

during the Big Flood and landslide in 2011 BS .This Year we welcome Military Rescue or

operation For Disaster management from 34 countries .Which was almost difficult to channelize

and control within rescue work . Nepal opens its Security sector as well as highly valuable areas

(Military Area and, Narayanhiti area) for their stay and work which make our security point

weak. 80% Foreigner were male due to Global Military dominated by Male from long historic

period. Nepalese Security capacity, secrecy and strategic position became exposed to foreign

Army presence.

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There was different interest group during rescue operation and rehabilitation after earthquake

damage. Some countries operation mission was involved strategic point through drone and

helicopter.

Foreign Donors were willing to run rescue and rehabilitation work by themselves so they could

inject their relation through aid package. Few area Bible was distributed with relief package and

local people rejected their assistance.

Dhan Prasad Pandit

Professor

Gender Studies and Political Science

Padma Kanya Multiple Campus,

Bagbazar, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Annex: IV Photographs

Distinguished Authorities: Representatives of FES and the Dean and Professors of the Tribhuvan

University in the Dias.

Mr. Dev Raj Dahal, The Director from FES Nepal delivering Key Notes on inaugural session

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Campus Chief Prof. Ramesh Shrestha delivering speech on Inaugural session

Prof. Dr. Chinta Mani Pokharel, The Dean of Humanities and Social Science of the T.U.

delivering Key Notes on Inaugural session.

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Participants of the Seminar

Participants of the Seminar

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Dr Rajju MallaDhaka presenting her paper

Prof. Dhana Prasad Pandit presenting his paper

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Ex-Student of Gender Studies asking questions

Current Student of Women’s Studies 18th Batch, asking questions.

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