Oxfam experience of providing screened toilet, bathing and menstruation units in its earthquake response in Pakistan

Abstract

For women in particular, safety, privacy and dignity are important considerations in the design of toilet and bathing facilities, and taking their views in to account is vital. Enabling their voices to be heard can be challenging, particularly in contexts where women's seclusion in society is the norm. This article details a case study which highlights the way Oxfam GB dealt with this important issue following the earthquake which struck Pakistan in 2005.

Keywords:

• Pakistan
• earthquake
• humanitarian response
• water
• hygiene practices
• women

Acknowledgement

An earlier version of this article was presented at the 32nd WEDC International Conference, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 2006.

Notes

1. Seclusion/purdah is sometimes practised by women who are Muslim in a number of countries, and also by some Hindu women in India, although different communities practice it in different ways and to different degrees. It is sometimes the case that the women previously living in seclusion will have more freedom to leave their living areas in emergency situations.

2. The standardised block was designed by Bibi Lamond.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jamila Nawaz

Jamila Nawaz is a Public Health Promotion Officer, Oxfam-GB (seconded from Sungi Development Foundation), Pakistan

Shamma Lal

Shamma Lal is a Public Health Promotion Officer, Oxfam-GB (seconded from Sungi Development Foundation), Pakistan

Saira Raza

Saira Raza is a Public Health Engineer (Planning Support Officer), Oxfam GB

Sarah House

Sarah House is a Freelance Public Health/Water Engineer, UK