Women more affected, more vulnerable to calamities – CWR

Women more affected, more vulnerable to calamities – CWR

“In addition to the general effects of natural disasters and lack of health care, women are vulnerable to reproductive and sexual health problems, and increased rates of sexual and domestic violence.”
By INA ALLECO R. SILVERIO
Bulatlat.com

The Center for Women’s Research has released its findings that the recent calamities that hit Northern Mindanao has hit women and children the hardest.
In a report, the CWR cited data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) that tropical storm Sendong (internationally known as Washi) left a trail of destruction leaving 1,268 dead, majority of whom were women and children. There were still undetermined number of missing persons. More than 6,071 were injured and 125, 256 families were affected.
The NDRRMC estimates the damage in infrastructure and agriculture to reach more than P1.7 billion. Thousands of houses were also ruined.

“Even without a strong typhoon like Sendong, many Filipinos are still being devastated by floods and landslides caused only by heavy monsoon rains. Based on NDRRMC reports, not a single typhoon has entered the country yet for this year, but many areas particularly in Visayas and Mindanao have already experienced floods and landslides. NDRRMC report showed 52 casualties, including the 42 from the landslide in Pantukan, Compostela Valley. Thousands of families are affected and many were brought to evacuation centers,” the CWR said.

According to the research center, calamities take the greatest toll on children and women, especially on pregnant, old-aged and women with disabilities.

“There is also high vulnerability of sexual abuse and harassment especially in evacuation centers,”it said.
A previous study made by the CWR revealed that women victims of calamities have to contend with at least four issues that are the result of falling victim to natural calamities. In the study, the group discovered that women are forced to take extra jobs.

“During calamities, the regular sources of income of husbands are disrupted. Women are expected to find alternative sources of living. Women take on various jobs such as house helpers, launderers, vending, sewing, etc. This is an added burden to women since they are still the ones expected to do the housework for their own homes,” the group said..... MORE
Source:  Bulatlat.com

URL: http://bulatlat.com/main/2012/02/27/women-more-affected-more-vulnerable-to-calamities-%E2%80%93-cwr/