SINHAS Vol 28 No 1 Masako Tanaka

Female-friendly Space as an Entry Point for Help-seeking Pathways in Post-earthquake Nepal: A Case Study of Gender-based Violence in the Dhading District

Masako Tanaka

Abstract
Disasters impact individuals differently according to gender, age, disability and class. A smooth transition from post-disaster to regular periods may be important. This study examines the role and challenges of female-friendly spaces (FFSs) as an entry point for help-seeking pathways evinced by the post-earthquake activities of women’s organizations in Nepal. The major challenges of FFSs are examined based on the example of Sahayatri Samaj Nepal, a service provider engaged in FFSs operations in Dhading District. There are five major barriers for the service providers to respond to gender-based violence (GBV) effectively: logistical challenges, lack of information, fear of stigma, low service expectations, and lack of vital certificates to exercise rights. The change brought about by the FFS work so far was limited at the individual level, not directly making a difference at the structural level relating to issues of vital certificates and other wider societal problems. To build societies back better, the work done by the FFS in the post-disaster period should be relayed to advocacy work for structural change. Therefore, rural FFSs should not cease functioning shortly after the disaster but should be available in different forms during regular periods. Such sustained efforts continued through post-disaster to normal periods alone will keep women’s awareness of GBV high and make changes at the structural level possible.

Keywords: Gender-based Violence (GBV), Disaster Risk Reduction, Help-seeking, Female-friendly spaces, Nepal