Gender Alert: Needs of women and girls after the eastern Afghanistan earthquake

Women and girls have again borne the brunt of this disaster. Latest data from joint UN-NGO assessments show that more than half of those killed or injured were women. In the aftermath, risks are only rising. Women and girls face heightened threats of gender-based violence and child marriage. With water and sanitation systems damaged, and inadequate latrines in informal settlements, many are forced to walk in search of water or to meet other basic needs, exposing them to the risk of violence and even unexploded ordnance. Some women – especially those heading households, or caring for babies, the elderly or livestock, are unsure where to seek help, or afraid to move in search of assistance.

This Gender Alert, developed by the Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) working group in Afghanistan, is based on primary data collected from affected districts, field visits, focus group discussions with women, girls and humanitarian workers, as well as reports from partners.

It calls for urgent and sustained support for women humanitarians responding to the earthquakes and for the UN and NGOs to continue working with – and funding – women—led organizations on the frontline of the response.