he year 2022 was a tumultuous and trying time for many communities in Sindh. A mega flood swept across 23 districts. In Umerkot, Sanghar and Mirpurkhas it not only caused extensive damage to private properties, but also impacted the infrastructure. The flood had a direct impact on more than 1,657,941 households, affecting a population of over 10,518,110 people across Sindh. It also added to the social, economic and political problems faced by women.

Despite the numerous challenges, many women stepped up to the plate, took on a leading role and demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt and overcome, showing their remarkable strength and resilience in the face of adversity. Their tireless efforts have helped restore their communities and rebuild their lives. They have also inspired others. Through their hard work and determination, women have established themselves as key players in the recovery and rehabilitation process. They will stop at nothing to ensure that their communities thrive once again.

In Sindh region, rural women have a history of actively participating in post-flood recovery. Their efforts range from rebuilding katcha houses and other mud structures to ensuring that their communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible. Despite the vital role that women play in these efforts, their contributions can go unnoticed, and they may encounter obstacles that prevent them from being a part of the recovery-related decision making.

When monsoon are particularly heavy and floods destroy homes and lives, women bear the brunt of the resulting difficulties. They face the challenge of rebuilding their homes every time a flood occurs. The rebuilding can take anywhere from 8 to 10 months.

Every time a flood ravages a rural community, the rebuilding is a challenge. After the waters recede, they start repairing their homes. This often involves carrying mud from distant places. Meanwhile, they have to take care of their children, work on their lands and look after other household chores.

Response to the recent floods has been inadequate. Many women have not received equal consideration in relief and rehabilitation efforts. This is particularly evident in the provision of shelter, food and healthcare facilities.

It is high time the government, non-governmental organisations, corporate sector and philanthropists come together to address the issues faced by women during the recovery and rehabilitation phase. Measures should be taken to ensure that women have access to materials they need to raise shelters. They should also be empowered to participate in decision-making processes regarding the recovery and rehabilitation efforts.

The challenges faced by women in disaster risk reduction and management efforts are many. One of the biggest is a lack of awareness. Women often have limited access to resources and information and are not involved in the design of recovery plans. This leads to a lack of gender-sensitive approaches, which exacerbates the existing gender disparities in the affected communities.

The following are some recommendations in this regard:

Engage women in the decision-making processes.

To cope with future disaster recovery issues, women should have a voice in the planning and implementation of the recovery efforts. This can help ensure that their needs and perspectives are considered and that recovery efforts are inclusive and effective.

One way to empower women is to create opportunities for them to acquire new skills and knowledge. This can be achieved through sharing local wisdom with them and equipping women with the necessary tools and techniques to respond to disaster scenarios.

Women’s efforts in the recovery and rehabilitation process have been remarkable. They have demonstrated their strength, resilience and leadership. It is critical that we invest in resilience and preparedness and ensure that women are included and empowered in disaster risk reduction.

Bangladesh’s example

One example of successful women-led recovery efforts is the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee. BRAC, a large development organisation, has been working in Bangladesh for over 40 years. It has been instrumental in helping communities recover from floods and other disasters.

Following the devastating floods of 1998, the BRAC established a programme to help women rebuild their homes and livelihoods. It provided women with training in disaster preparedness, as well as support for rebuilding their homes on raised platforms and starting new income-generating activities. The programme also provided women with access to credit, so that they could invest in businesses and rebuild their lives.

We need to think realistically and follow the best practices.

Self-help groups in India

Self-help groups are a common model for empowering women in India. After floods, SHGs were formed to help women rebuild their homes, restart their livelihoods and access credit and other resources.

Women’s Emergency Committee in Sri Lanka

This was formed after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to support women in disaster recovery efforts. The committee provided women with training and support to rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

Flood recovery efforts often involve rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring homes and providing support for impacted communities. Women can play a significant role in these efforts, as they are often the primary caregivers for their families. They also participate in disaster response and recovery activities, such as volunteering, organising community-based relief efforts and advocating for their needs and rights. Women’s unique perspectives and experiences can inform and improve disaster risk reduction and recovery policies and practices. It is important to ensure that their needs and contributions are acknowledged and integrated into flood recovery efforts for a more equitable and effective response.

The authorities should take the necessary steps to address the challenges faced by women. Working together, we can create a more resilient and sustainable future for Sindh’s flood-prone areas.

The writer is based in Umerkot. He has more than 12 years of experience in the development sector. He can be reached at shewaram@live.com