SHE Associates Conducts Rapid Gender and Vulnerability Assessment During the Pakistan Floods
At SHE Associates we know that evidence-based and intersectional crisis response in is integral in delivering aid effectively.
In 2022, over 33 million people in Pakistan were affected by severe flooding. Human Concern International (HCI) commissioned the expertise of SHE Associates to use its unique proprietary vulnerability and gender assessment matrix to identify the pressuring needs of the affected population. Our culturally informed assessment included surveys of women, men, adolescents and key informant interviews with community leaders, teachers, doctors, nurses, representatives of government authorities and other aid agency leads.
With the support of an interpreter, we trained 22 enumerators, male and female on the assessment’s intended content and the digital tools designed to be used without consistent internet access in order to obtain primary data.
The study was conducted using a mixed methods approach. All primary data was collected via in person surveys, key informant interviews and open-ended guided interviews. In total, 606 respondents participated in the study from eight (8) districts in the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh province, with an intentional mix and comparison of rural and urban populations’ data. Almost all respondents had been displaced at least once.
We identified multi-sector information gaps and needs in the categories listed below using a custom gender and protection lens, to establish a baseline for crisis response. The protection lens specifically examined issues of access, safety and security, dignity and accountability.
- Demographics
- Gender norms and roles
- Basic needs
- Water sanitation and hygiene
- Shelter and Non-Food Items
- Health (including physical health, reproductive health, and mental health)
- Protection (including access to information, mobility & safety, documentation, gender-based violence, and child protection)
- Influencers and decision-making at community level
- Accountability to the affected population
The final report consisted of information on all of the above, prioritizing the voices of the most vulnerable populations affected amongst to inform and align aid and recovery approaches.