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Earthquake and the Vulnerable Women of Quetta, Balochistan

Abstract

The main objective of this paper encompasses efforts to assess the vulnerabilities of women of Balochistan in an earthquake disaster. Data was collected through questionnaire survey among 120 women from households and educational institutes using sample random sampling. There is an interrelation between the social and physical elements and they both stimulate each other and influence their modalities. The women’s vulnerability estimation is deliberated through the value of social relationships and networks that complement the economic capital for economic growth of a community, monetary, edification and corporeal elements. Results revealed that owing to the depleted degree of edification and the elevated ratio of population aged below fifteen years shows an adverse situation for the government and community to evacuate such a huge proportion of children’s during disasters. Higher the vulnerability of women shown in economic sector as the women are more vulnerable. Women unemployment and decision power taken by men are the major vulnerable components in the economic sector. Lastly in the institutional vulnerability women’s lack of preparedness is the higher vulnerability component which increases the women’s vulnerability. It is important to lay emphasis on the physical vulnerabilities of women by guaranteeing that their home, workplace is safe and they are specifically cared for after an earthquake hits. Committing to take concrete measure in reducing social powerlessness of women and also assuring that women are given a fair contribution and involvement in the disaster basic management fields but not over-burdening them with additional work.

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