PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is experiencing one of the most devastating flood crises in recent years, displacing thousands of families and disrupting daily life. Among the worst hit are women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods, who face unique struggles that often go unnoticed in disaster response efforts.
In rural communities, women carry the main responsibility for household survival—fetching water, collecting firewood, and caring for children and the elderly. The floods have destroyed homes and swept away basic facilities, leaving women to manage survival with very limited resources.
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Healthcare access has also collapsed in many flood-hit areas. Pregnant women and nursing mothers remain at serious risk due to the lack of medicines, doctors, and emergency transport. The absence of female healthcare workers adds another barrier, making it harder for women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods to seek timely treatment.
Relief camps, meant to provide safety, create new challenges for women. Lack of privacy, inadequate sanitation, and shortages of clean water worsen their living conditions. Cultural restrictions and safety concerns discourage many from stepping forward for aid, leaving them even more vulnerable.
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Authorities, NGOs, and international agencies must urgently recognize and address women’s specific needs in disaster relief. Relief camps require separate facilities, healthcare access, deployment of female staff, and psychological support. Long-term planning should also include women’s perspectives in disaster management so that future strategies remain inclusive and effective.
The floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have not only destroyed infrastructure and livelihoods but also multiplied the struggles of women. Their challenges—ranging from household burdens to healthcare, safety, and mental well-being—are both immediate and long-lasting. By addressing the realities faced by women in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa floods, authorities can ensure that women play an active role in rebuilding their families and communities.
