Disrespect for human rights, abuse of power and gender inequality causes gender- based violence
Even under normal circumstances sexual and gender-based violence occurs as there is a connection between them. But in a crisis and in a disaster situation it increases rapidly. When a person suffers from gender- based violence it can be assumed that his or her human rights have been violated, said Dr. Neththanjali Mapitigama -Consultant Community physician -Gender and Women ’Health Unit, Family Health Bureau.
She was speaking at the launch of the Hand book on Gender, Sexual and Gender Based Violence in Disasters held at the Hilton Colombo Residences, Colombo 2 last week.
She further emphasised that when gender-based violence occurs it inevitably results in separation of families where social networks that families had before would collapse along with norms and the value systems.
The physical infrastructure can also be destructive. Furthermore individuals will be relocated with loss of lives and those alive will have to play different roles to keep the family fires burning. This happens in a situation when there is a disaster. Both men, women and children will be affected in such a scenario. Increased gender-based violence occurs when there is lack of food especially when service providers are ignorant of such situations. When there isn’t adequate water for families, women sexual bribery occurs especially in toilets provided for women. Fixing a latch in female toilets and lighting such toilets would minimize such sexual violence. Lack of privacy for women to change clothes in cramped shelters can also lead to sexual violence.
Dr. Lakshman Senanayake -Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist in his keynote address said gender is a universal concept in most societies.
As a physician he has witnessed many human disasters in his hospital wards where babies and mothers have passed away in his hands which is very devastating and sad.
Disaster of any kind is an unforgettable life experience that affects men and women differently. How men and women cope with the disaster is also different.
The Tsunami affected mostly women. Most women were in their kitchens when the waves rolled in and could not run seeking shelter unlike the men working in their fields. Women also had to carry their children that impeded their speed to escape the waves. They were also unable to climb trees unlike men. Loss of children also affected women who showed their emotions.
He said female toilets needs additional privacy and should be away from crowded areas. As children are taken to such toilets they need additional space. It is common knowledge that gender-based violence occurs in female toilets. Such toilets should be adequately lit to prevent such incidents. A proper mechanism should be in place for women to dispose their sanitary towels inside the toilets.
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