Farkhanda Wazir reports on how single and widowed women displaced by fighting in northern Pakistan are having a particularly difficult time getting the help they need.
Samina Bibi, 61, the mother of three disabled sons has forgotten to bring her National Identity Card (NIC) while coming from Mingora to the camps in Swabi District. “I have often faced problems here getting relief items. My husband has died. I am sharing a tent with my widowed daughter. Life is miserable,” she says.
“It’s difficult for a woman to stand in line on her own, without a male family member. Life is tough everywhere for a woman,” says Shaheen (40), the widowed daughter of Samina Bibi. “Thank God I brought my NIC. I don’t know what I would have done without it.” Shaheen has three daughters of her own. She is the only breadwinner in her family, and has been supporting them single-handed for the last 10 years.
Displaced women, particularly single women and widows, face many difficulties in getting help. Because of ‘purdah’ (the requirement for women to cover their bodies and conceal their form in some Muslim communities), women do not stand in long queues to get aid and assistance. But Shaheen has no other choice: “If I don’t my children will suffer.”
Oxfam has distributed water survival kits* to 100 families living in Umeed camp, and a separate distribution point has been organised for women, to help people like Samina Bibi and Shaheen. They have since received a water survival kit. “I am really happy to get a water survival kit,” says Shaheen. “This box has many things for everyone in the family. I like the cooking utensils. My children love the toys.”
Shaheen also says things seem to be changing slowly for the better in the camp. “We have electricity in the camp. We are happy to have water and latrines.”
Samina Bibi is grateful to receive the kit too, but is worried about her disabled sons: “I just want shelter and food for my sons. They are not able to get anything. I want the authorities to help all displaced people equally. ”
Pakistan conflict: Oxfam’s response
* Each water survival kit includes:
Kitchen utensils, sewing sets, galvanized wire, scissors, bandages, assorted PVC tape, coloring books, cables ties, multipurpose cloth, rain poncho, cotton wool, wire cutter, fabric plaster strip, retractable knife, note books, rope, scissors, hammer, nail box, small shawl, bandages, match boxes, candles, flash light, tin opener, spoon, tea pot, plastic bowls, buckets, clothes pegs, refuse sacks, tea mug, stainless steel knife, spoons, forks, tennis balls, toothpaste, antibacterial wipes, and blue sheeting.
Tags: Conflict, Humanitarian, pakistan, Swat valley
