Afghanistan Earthquake: UN Warns Women and Girls Face Ongoing Crisis as Rescuers Brave Dangerous Conditions

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Afghanistan Earthquake: UN Warns Women and Girls Face Ongoing Crisis as Rescuers Brave Dangerous Conditions

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Aftermath of Afghanistan Earthquake: Women and Girls Struggle, UN Warns

In the wake of a severe earthquake in Afghanistan, the future seems bleak for women living in the affected regions. The tremors might have subsided, but the real disaster is only beginning to unfold for the country's women and girls, who are in dire need of immediate help.

Brave Women Rescuers Face Dangerous Terrain

Women who have taken up the role of rescuers, with the support of international assistance, narrate tales of perilous journeys along mountainous terrains. They had to dodge falling rocks, triggered by aftershocks, to reach stricken communities. Women rescuers play a crucial role in these circumstances, especially due to cultural restrictions that prevent women from speaking to men who are not part of their family.

Surviving with Nothing

Ever since the 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern part of Afghanistan, rescue operations have been a race against time and tough terrains. The quake, which occurred at midnight, resulted in houses built on steep slopes cascading down, killing approximately 2,200 people.

Women who managed to survive the disaster, now live in make-shift tents in the central Kunar province. They had to abandon their homes in the dead of the night when the quake struck and trek for hours in search of safety. Many lost their loved ones, who remain buried under debris. They also lost their homes, their means of income, and as one survivor put it, "now we have nothing."

Restrictions on Female Workers

The humanitarian efforts to help the survivors are further hampered by a ban on Afghan women employees and contractors entering international compounds in the country's capital, Kabul. This restriction has affected the operations, as women staff members are not allowed to report to work.

Despite these hurdles, women have continued to play a significant role in the relief efforts in the areas affected by the earthquake. Their contribution has been recognized as essential by many.

Women and girls were the hardest hit by the disaster, accounting for over half of the casualties. They also constitute 60% of those still missing. Many survivors are forced to live in tents or out in the open, as observed by international assessment teams.

The Cultural Divide

Healthcare for the survivors remains a top priority. However, there is a pressing need to find women healthcare workers to cater to female survivors, given the cultural norms. In certain parts of the earthquake-hit zone, local customs prohibit men from touching women, and vice versa, even during rescue operations.

The destruction of basic infrastructure has increased the risk of violence against women and girls. With the destruction of facilities like bathrooms, women and girls are forced to walk long distances, making them vulnerable to violence and potential landmine threats.

In their daily lives, women in this culture already face numerous challenges to survive and provide for their families. The disruption and chaos following the earthquake has made their struggle even more challenging, in terms of providing food for their children and finding a safe place to live.

 
Absolutely heartbreaking to read how cultural barriers are putting women and girls at even more risk after such a disaster. Is there any way outsiders can help local female aid workers directly?