The Impact of Flooding in Bihar, India on Women: A Qualitative Study

The impact of the recent (2013) ravaging flood has caused large-scale devastation in Bihar, India The destruction has impacted the whole community but the pre-existing climate of discrimination against women in society has intersected with the devastation caused by flooding and increased its impact on women in many ways. The pre-existing misogyny, gender role learning and accordingly the formation of gender identity that has accustomed women to accept discrimination without an iota of objection, increases in the relief and rehabilitation period after a disaster. The objectives of the study are (1) to find out the problems faced by women in aftermath of a flood or other disaster, (2) to explore whether women's vulnerability differs in terms of age and caste, and (3) to access the impact of flooding on income, on women-headed households, and on education, health, and violence against women. The study was carried out by employing the focus group discussion method in the Purnia and Katihar districts of Bihar, India. The results show that women lack information about flood warnings and have less access to relief material. In addition, access to income sources is also low, mobility is restricted, and caretaking responsibility creates an additional burden on women, a burden which differs in terms of age and caste. Women's health also tends to deteriorate and they are dishonored both within and outside the home. The relief providing agencies are unaware of the manifold problems women face after a flood; hence they do not feel the necessity to provide any special assistance during the relief or rehabilitation periods. It is hoped that the findings of this study will increase aid agencies' awareness of these problems. In addition, this study will conclude by making some specific recommendations for actions that relief agencies can take to focus on the special needs and problems of women and ensure their participation in the rehabilitation period.