Manicaland and Masvingo Provinces were affected by massive floods and landslides on the 15th to 17th of March 2019 which were caused by the Cyclone Idai. The disaster killedover 242 people, injured 1400 and more than 2000 people are missing. Homes, people and livestock were washed away in the rivers down to the ocean. An unaccounted number of bodies are still trapped under huge stones which cannot be moved by ACB tippers. The survivors of the cyclone are suffering complete loss of property, identity particulars, livestock, livelihoods and infrastructure. Over 20,000 houses have been partially damaged while over 600 were totally destroyed in Chipinge,Chimanimani, Mutare, Makoni and Bikita.

Observations

a) Women and girls as human beings have unique and different needs from men and boys

The disaster left communities in dire need of basic necessities such as food, water, sanitation, shelter, clothing, blankets, security, livelihoods and access to health services. Whilst food items, tents and clothing have been donated though inadequate to support all the survivors, the responses have been ignoring gender needs of women and girls. The practical gender needs of women and girl has been largely ignored as such there is need fora concerted feminist response to cater for the daily needs required by women and girls. In this situation, we have noted that women and girls are most vulnerable and exposed. Apart from clothing, shelter and food, they also need sanitary pads, pants, pots and other cooking utensils. Some are breast feeding; some are pregnant as such their needs are more and very specific to their feminine make up. We have also noted that the effects and impact of the cyclone has been beyond the government’s capacity hence the call and need for individuals and organisations to assist the affected households.

b) Role of Women as farmers[ cultivation land, growing food crops to feed the family and caring role

Women as farmers have lost all they need to provide for their families. They have lost all their crops, seeds, their vegetable gardens and even their granaries where they stock their dried vegetables, dried beans for relish and their traditional seeds were all washed away. They need assistance from fellow women to restock the seed, reproduce and multiply them so much so that they sustainably provide food for their families through farming.

c) We have noted that the impact of Cyclone Idai was more on women than on men

The affected women and girls are suffering from short, medium and long term impact as they lack the resources to address their wellness, including their sexual reproductive health. The Social effects of this cyclone is quite pronounced in the affected areas and this is evidenced by school drops outs and if action is not taken this can lead to child marriages and high levels of illegal activities for survival such as prostitution. This will be worsened by family disintegration, limited moral support structures and as such gender based violence, sexual harassment and violation of the rights of women and children will be entrenched.

Written by Thandiwe Chidavarume (RWA Zimbabwe)