Flood, Women, Government and We

The possessor of high intellect, wisdom and authority, the regulator of well-developed trade and the receiver of affectionate care, warmth and protection as a mother, wife, daughter, sister (and every other possible relation)-this is a Muslim Woman. A Muslim Woman, who is bound to enjoy all basic and humanitarian rights-but unfortunately, enjoys none or at the most a very few of them, which are partially given, in almost every corner of the world, especially in our own context.

The condition of Pakistani women had never been agreeable starting from ruthless domestic violence to so-called barbarian honour killing but the recent flood destruction has left them even more devastated and shattered. Though the flood has indiscriminatingly affected the people ranging from slum-dwellers to upper-middle (not the elites or landlords as they know how to turn the tides) yet what I assume (as many others do as well) the most afflicted lot is that of women. Why do I presume so, the reasons are various.

Within many harsh issues faced by the flood victimized women, the most distressing one is the helpless condition of the pregnant women. Where the plight and dilemma of these vulnerable women has been brought into light, to some extend by media, NGO’s and different organizations there a few of these organizations are also engaged industriously in providing these affected women with medical assistance, food and treatment. But the fact is facilitating nearly 500,000 pregnant women, as estimated by UNFPA is certainly not an easy task rather it definitely is a long row to hoe. Due to adverse conditions which include homelessness, malnutrition, poor hygiene, stress etc. a high number of women is acutely suffering from miscarriages, life threatening complications and maternal mortalities. And unfortunately, this is not the only agonizing situation the women are bearing up with in flooded areas, there are other grave issues involved as well.

According to the statistics not only thousands of people were injured or had health issues about 1700 of the lives were also lost which included men as well. Keeping in view the socio-cultural norms and scenario of the mostly affected areas, the majority of the women were dependent on the male members for their financial support and now without these supporting hands they are simply at their wit’s ends and have no idea how to keep their soul and body together. At the first place there is no aid that reaches to them transparently, and if any does, it is disorderly distributed where the powerful get the biggest share. In such a situation, many women who have no one left to take care of are unable to receive any thing as they cannot fight the crowd (though the dignity and womanhood of a few can be seen being razed during their helpless efforts to get few morsels for their starving children).

Similarly, another serious issue is that of the exposure and homelessness of thousands of young women and girls in a society where majority of the people are ever ready to take advantage of such situation. We already have disgraceful examples of hundreds of disappeared women and girls during the earthquake calamity and again there are reports of women and children missing in the flooded areas. How possibly we can think of peace and tranquility in such a society where such bestiality takes place- we just need to sit and think about it.

The story does not end here because the condition of women in the camps and shelter homes is not satisfactory as well. These places are not horribly overcrowded only, they have common bathrooms and cleaning areas as well where the women do not have any privacy and this certainly makes their existence even more vulnerable. Mostly, they are confined in small rooms along with many other souls packed in there.

The disasters are not new to humankind and many nations have suffered from such disasters but what gives them the courage and hope to face such calamities bravely and come through them successfully is the strong and sincere solidarity of their states and people with them- to our distress it is something we have a sheer lack of. Undoubtedly, the rehabilitation of the flood victims is a real challenge and no one can deny it, but isn’t this at the same time, the golden opportunity for the government to rise high in the eyes of the nation by responding sensibly and positively to the disaster? No one is expecting the government to blow the magic wand to solve all the issues but there should be some visible genuine urge and determination among the public representatives to do so. And when people find that their elected bodies are not doing anything concrete rather are involved in meeting with army chief, playing blame games, receiving shopping cartons from abroad, vowing to stick to “kursi” and visiting palaces, refusing to pay taxes, they no longer listen to these so –called representatives and take the power in their own hands. It is crystal clear that the people are now at the end of their ropes and have no more faith and hope in this self-interested government and that day is not really far when the power will be in people’s hands- just wait and watch.

Now when our vigilant government is incapable as well as unwilling to work for the rehabilitation of these unfortunate people the call is upon us, as Muslims, as a nation and as individuals. We have to step forward to help these waiting women, children and men. When we will stand by them determined and resolute, the world will respond. Many have already been doing every possible thing to console and help the victims but we need every single person in this country to take the responsibility and volunteer till the day when all the affected will be settled in their homes and start their normal life. Today they need us-fear the day when we might need them. Don’t wait the examples of other to follow, set your own example and believe me you will be the leaders.