Women's needs get top priority

Women's needs get top priority
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, FEB 1: Three non-government organisations -- Development Support Team (Pune), Oxfam (Australia) and Stree Aadhar Kendra (Pune), have appealed to relief workers to concentrate on the specific needs of women and young girls as these are otherwise neglected. Taking cue from their experience in the relief work at Latur, they have drawn up a comprehensive list for the purpose.

This list, in the form of a pocket book, will be circulated through NGOs involved in relief work, member of the National Task Force of the National Women's Commission, Dr Neelam Gorhe told êIThe Indian ExpressêR. "Women and young girls are extra-sensitive in times of tragedy and trauma. During collective relief work, their needs are neglected."

According to the list, when providing clothing, the local and practical needs of women and young girls need to be specifically kept in mind. Saris without underskirts and blouses are of no use. Therefore ready-made petticoats and undergarments of various sizes are required. Culturally acceptable clothing is preferred, hence it is better to send salwar kameez for young girls.

Footwear is an important necessity. Chappals, slippers and sandals are preferred over shoes, boots and fancy footware. Spectacles too are needed.

Special needs of pregnant women and newly operated upon women and nursing mothers need to be attended to. Sanitary pads or similar utility items are a dire necessity. Metal cradles are required for infants. Milk powder and instant cereals are difficult to process.

Perishable food items should be sent only if there is a proper distribution system. Raw milk is risky. Food that does not require a container to eat is a priority. Rotis are preferred over bread.

Medicines should be sorted out and classified into different categories such as pain killers, anti-bacterial, anti-fungus, antiseptic etc. Anti-epidemic medicines need to be given priority over tonics and vitamin supplements.

Articles required for the relief phase include torches with dry battery cells, ropes, buckets, small pots and plates to take readymade food, tarpaulin and plastic sheets, bamboo, firewood, metal and plastic containers to store goods, locks, soaps, umbrellas and warm clothes.