Impact of the 2015 Earthquake on Women in Nepal

This thesis examines the gendered impacts of the 2015 earthquake on women in Nepal. The purpose of this study is to identify factors contributing to vulnerability of women, and explore gender sensitivity of the relief materials provided post 2015 earthquake. Five major themes were identified that put women in vulnerable situations. These include, menstruation and pregnancy, which are unique experience of women; bathing and toilet needs, which are different than their male counterparts; care taking duties, which was found to be the primary role of women interviewed; age based vulnerabilities, which puts older women in unique conditions that affect their vulnerability and; Violence against women. Findings of this study also indicate a huge lack of gender sensitivity in relief materials and its distribution. This study utilizes Sandra Harding\u27s Standpoint theory and Patricia Hill Collin\u27s Theory of intersectionality to examine unique gendered experience of women, and the impact of factors like caste, age, poverty on their vulnerabilities. The findings of this study can be utilized by local and international agencies to plan better gender sensitive disaster preparedness; by researchers interested in exploring specific themes that cause vulnerabilities; and national Governments in bringing about policy level changes to better serve population of women during the time of disaster