Impact of Floods on Women: With Special Reference to Flooding Experience of 2010 Flood in Pakistan

During floods under convoluted situations women have to adjust themselves. Pakistan’s 65 percent population resides in rural areas which are the main victims of flood. As of 2010, the literacy ratio of rural women was just 34.2 percent. Moreover, 50 percent of females are married before the age of 20 and this factor is responsible for higher fertility rate (4.1) in rural areas. These ladies experience severe risks during their pregnancies. As of 2010, maternal mortality rate in rural areas was 319/100000 live births. Under cultural traditions of the country females have to stay at camps for around the clock. Most of the camps are unhygienic and overcrowded without spare space for feeding mothers. Anemic pregnant women and feeding mothers face the problem of malnutrition and food shortages. Wash rooms and toilets are insufficient, unsanitary and insecure and are one of the major causes of sexual assaults at camps.