KARACHI: Amid the ongoing heavy rains and flooding in Karachi, women have been disproportionately affected by the chaos. As streets remain submerged and commuting becomes nearly impossible, many women have found themselves struggling with issues that are not only weather-related but also deeply rooted in societal norms.
Saima, a 20-year-old university student, shared her experience after her bus broke down on the flooded road between Nazimabad and Teen Hatti. With no choice but to wade through knee-deep water, Saima expressed how the situation was even more frightening for women like her. “As women, we cannot ask for help from anyone,” she said, recalling how they chose to navigate the dangerous waters rather than seek help from passing vehicles. Saima and her friend eventually made it home, but only after facing significant challenges.
Similarly, Shama, a teacher, had to abandon her car on Sharae Faisal as the road became impassable. Though some people tried to assist her, Shama explained the discomfort many women feel in such situations, fearing unwanted attention. It was only when an older gentleman, accompanied by his wife, extended a hand, that Shama reluctantly accepted the help to escape the submerged vehicle.
Many other women, like Fatima, a 25-year-old married woman, found themselves in similar predicaments. Fatima’s car broke down in the middle of a flooded street, and her fear for her safety grew as she worried about street criminals taking advantage of the chaos. She expressed the anxiety many women feel in such situations, acknowledging the lack of preparedness for handling emergency situations on the road.
This crisis underscores the need for better preparedness and training for women on how to navigate these dangerous circumstances. It is equally crucial to educate the public on the important role of rescue personnel, ensuring that societal or cultural barriers do not hinder their ability to provide help. Additionally, rescue teams must be trained to understand cultural sensitivities and handle situations without causing further distress to those they are trying to save.
In the face of these challenges, society must come together to ensure that women are equipped with the knowledge and support they need to safely navigate such calamities.
