Good job Manisha

Good job Manisha

It was revealed by the Ministry of Home Affairs that the number of women killed during the recent killer earth-quake was more than that of men. This could be the indication that the women are more vulnerable to men during such natural calamity. Many women have delivered their babies in the make-shift camps where proper foods and health care services are not available. Many women had even miscarriages due to shock. Other women are engaged in looking after the well being of their children who are passing through mentally stressful life due to the recent devastating earth-quake.

Kudos to Manisha Koirala, Goodwill Ambassador of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), who made an effort to counsel women folks living in make-shift camps erected in Tundikhel, Kathmandu as reported “Manish to help ensure dignity of women” (THT, 23 May, Page 10). During such natural calamity, women face tremendous mental pressure concerning their reproductive health and security. Gender based violence increases during this kind of natural calamity putting women at more risk and dangerous situation. Where are the so called women leaders and activists these days who were supposed to be visiting these make shift tents to ensure the services rendered by the government to the affected women and children are adequate?

This is the time for the government, semi government, concerned authorities and organization to give maximum attention towards these vulnerable groups of conservative society for their social security and reproductive health. Like Manisha said that attentions of all have now been diverted towards mass rehabilitation and reconstruction. We tend to ignore smaller things which are, in fact, more important in terms of saving many vulnerable and innocent lives. It is hoped that her effort through the initiatives of UNFPA to ensure dignity of women will bear fruit and the other women leaders and activists follow her acts.

Rai Biren Bangdel

Maharajgunj

www.birenbangdel.com