As Kenya grapples with recurring floods, the consequences extend far beyond physical damage to homes and infrastructure. These floods, exacerbated by factors like climate change and poor urban planning, pose significant risks to all genders, with women and girls facing particular vulnerabilities and challenges.
One of the most immediate impacts of floods is displacement. Families are forced to evacuate their homes, seeking refuge in temporary shelters or with relatives. Women and girls, already bearing the brunt of household responsibilities, often find themselves shouldering additional burdens during these crises. They become responsible for securing food, water, and sanitation facilities in makeshift settlements, exposing them to increased health risks and stress.
Furthermore, the breakdown of infrastructure during floods can disrupt access to essential services like healthcare and education. Pregnant women may face difficulties in reaching medical facilities, putting their health and that of their unborn children at risk. Girls, who may already be marginalized in terms of education, face further setbacks as schools close or become inaccessible, affecting their learning and future prospects.
The aftermath of floods also brings forth long-term challenges, especially for women and girls. Economic activities are disrupted, with loss of livelihoods impacting women who are often engaged in informal sectors such as small-scale agriculture or market vending. The loss of assets and income sources can push families deeper into poverty, with women and girls bearing a disproportionate share of the consequences.
Another critical aspect is the increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV) during and after floods. Displacement, overcrowded shelters, and breakdown of social structures create an environment where GBV can thrive. Women and girls are at heightened risk of sexual exploitation, harassment, and domestic violence, further exacerbating their vulnerabilities.
Addressing these gendered risks during floods requires a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there is a need for gender-sensitive disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. This includes ensuring that women and girls have equal access to information, resources, and decision-making processes during emergencies.
Investments in resilient infrastructure and urban planning are crucial to mitigate the impact of floods on communities, with a specific focus on the needs of women, girls, and other vulnerable groups. This can involve the construction of flood-resistant housing, improved drainage systems, and safe evacuation routes that consider the needs of pregnant women, mothers, and young children.
Furthermore, efforts to strengthen social support systems, including psychosocial support and GBV prevention services, are essential. Empowering women and girls with knowledge, skills, and resources to cope with and recover from flood-related challenges is fundamental to building resilience and ensuring their well-being in the face of climate-related disasters.
In conclusion, while floods in Kenya affect everyone, the risks and challenges are not gender-neutral. Women and girls, already facing systemic inequalities, are disproportionately impacted and must be at the forefront of disaster response and recovery efforts. By addressing these gendered vulnerabilities, we can work towards a more inclusive and resilient society in the face of environmental challenges.