Flood-Induced gendered health vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities in South Punjab, Pakistan

Muhammad  Uzair; Prof. Dr. Ra’ana Malik

Authors

Muhammad Uzair Research Officer / Ph D Scholar, Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan Author
Prof. Dr. Ra’ana Malik Professor, Chairperson, Department of Gender Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan Author

Keywords:

Floods, Gender, Inequalities, Healthcare, Diseases

Abstract

This study aims to explore the flood-affected people's experiences of healthcare services as a consequence of floods, how disasters disrupt women's mobility, and gender-specific health issues. This study seeks to explore how gender roles, access to healthcare, limited mobility, and care obligations influence health consequences and contribute to different vulnerabilities in flood-affected areas. A qualitative research approach and phenomenological research design were used. The participants were recruited from the Rajanpur District of Punjab, Pakistan. Thirty flood-affected individuals (fifteen females and fifteen males) were purposively selected for in-depth interviews, and thematic analysis was performed for analysis. Results show that there was a high level of gender inequality in the access to healthcare services and provision of reproductive health, as well as psychosocial well-being. Women reported feeling burdened by their caregiving responsibilities, experiencing a lack of privacy in shelters, and facing limitations in accessing medical help. Indigenous adaptive resilience did nevertheless occur in the form of community-based women’s networks and informal care systems. The study concludes that promoting gender-sensitive disaster health planning may help to reinforce inclusive adaptive capacities and enable equal health interventions in flood-affected areas

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