Empowering Women and Girls Through Water and Sanitation Initiatives in Post-Flood Pakistan

Pakistan – In the wake of the devastating floods that swept through Pakistan in 2022, women and girls bore a disproportionate burden. The trail of damage saw homes destroyed, infrastructure damaged, and access to clean water and sanitation became even more challenging, amplifying the vulnerabilities faced by communities, especially for women and girls.

Nisha, a resilient seven-year-old residing in the Mirpurkhas District of Sindh, vividly remembers the hardships her family endured after the devastating floods of 2022. The memories of the day linger in her mind and that of her family as they endured nearly four months of displacement. Upon their return to their village, they were greeted by the sight of their destroyed home and latrines.

With clean water now a luxury, Nisha and her sisters then had to walk for several miles every day to access the now elusive resource. As a young girl, Nisha grappled with fear, especially during the dark nights when she was forced to relieve herself in the fields, having lost the toilet facility to the floods.

The dire need for water and sanitation facilities saw the construction of latrines and handwashing stations in Nisha's village by IOM. This brought a sense of relief to Nisha and her community, providing her with a safer and more hygienic environment.

“Now, I can use the latrines without fear, even during the darkest hours,” shared Nisha.

Accompanied by her mother to a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) session organized by IOM Pakistan and its partner in their village, Nisha alongside other community members were taken through proper hygiene techniques in the face of rising risks associated with water-borne diseases.

Empowered by her newfound knowledge, Nisha took it upon herself to educate her peers at school about proper handwashing techniques, spreading awareness about hygiene management.

Sampa, a 55-year-old widow from Mirpurkhas District, sought refuge on the embankment during the floods. Faced with immense challenge and lack of access to clean water, she fell ill after consuming contaminated water.

Similar to Nisha's situation, her home had been damaged by the floods.

With the responsibility of caring for her ten-year-old child weighing heavily on her shoulders, Sampa's struggles were compounded by the scarcity of clean water due to the devastation caused by the floods. Daily tasks became arduous, as she had to trek long distances in the scorching heat to fetch water, which was particularly challenging given her age.

A lead-line hand pump installed by IOM Pakistan in Sampa’s village, alongside lavatory facilities and handwashing stations, marked a significant improvement in access to clean water and hygiene services. No longer burdened by the arduous trek for water, Sampa could now conveniently access clean water.

"I no longer have back pain from carrying water for miles," Sampa shared. "With access to clean water right here in our village, both my health and the well-being of our community have remarkably improved,” she added.

Sampa’s and Nisha’s stories highlight the transformative impact of access to clean water and sanitation for women and girls. Access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services are crucial for human health and well-being.

Written by Maha Akbar, communications officer, IOM Pakistan