While disasters do not discriminate, women, men, girls and boys experience their impacts differently. In Nepal, women, in particular single women, female-headed households, women with disabilities and older women, are reporting discrimination in access to relief and information. Men are experiencing higher levels of stress due to their inability to fulfill their traditional gender role as family providers, leading to a reported increase in substance abuse and other risky behaviours.
Women have been disproportionately impacted by the earthquakes, however, simply viewing them as victims only exacerbates their vulnerability. Women have knowledge, relationships and practical skills that are critical to every level of relief and recovery efforts.
It is crucial that there is no discrimination based on sex, age, sexual orientation, gender, class, ethnicity or ability at all stages of the humanitarian response. This includes the discussions and decision-making processes that determine the shape of ongoing relief and recovery activities, as well as in the mechanisms for monitoring how effective these activities are.