Opinion | Address the unique needs of women amid crisis
Summary
Women displaced by the Bhotekoshi flash flood are facing acute hardship in crowded shelters, with poor sanitation, inadequate nutrition and little privacy for breastfeeding or menstrual care. The article calls for disaster response plans that prioritise maternal health, safe spaces and mental health support for women.
Key Points
- The Bhotekoshi flash flood has displaced thousands of people, including many pregnant women and new mothers living in temporary shelters.
- Crowded holding centres are failing to provide privacy, proper nutrition, sanitation and menstrual supplies for women with special needs.
- Trishuli hospital’s maternity ward is struggling with unreliable electricity, limited capacity and damaged road access to referrals.
- The article urges disaster planners to treat women’s safety, dignity, maternal care and mental health as urgent priorities.
