PWA continues to assist those displaced by the 2015 earthquakes. PWA recovery efforts target livelihoods, particularly female-headed households. PWA and partners are constructing three community centers where women and girls receive tools, training, and support to enter the labor force in a safe environment. To complement our community center program PWA is also expanding to support water and sanitation projects to build water and toilet facilities for homes and schools currently lacking them.
Globally women are at increased risk following disasters as safety and livelihoods are compromised. In Nepal nearly 30 percent of households are female-led, but they have often been overlooked in the recovery process. Outside Kathmandu women face numerous barriers in restarting essential home-based work. In rural Ramechhap people need access to water sources and infrastructure as they rebuild homes and communities. Girls need accessible water points and latrines so they can return to school.
PWA surveyed women in earthquake-affected Bhaktapur and Kavrepalanchok districts and found their main concern to be returning to work. PWA is constructing community centers to provide a safe and supportive place for women to safely produce woven material called dhaka (Bhaktapur Community Center) and to process and market agricultural produce (Nala Community Center). Additionally, in Ramechhap district PWA is rebuilding water and sanitation infrastructure to reduce the burden on women and girls.
Women and girls in Nepal are hard-working and capable. PWA is connecting women and girls with the resources they need to restore their lives. The community centers serve the whole community. As women directly benefit, families also advance by gaining increased financial stability, well-being, and healthier communities. When provided tools, training, safety, and support to generate income, families and communities recover.
