VOICES FROM THE MARGINS: A STUDY OF EXPERIENTIAL REALITIES OF WOMEN FAMILY MEMBERS OF FACTORY DISASTER AFFECTEES IN VILLAGE KHURRAM PARACHA

Abstract

The lives of women often change substantially after the loss of male breadwinners. After the death of their husbands, they have to go through difficult experiences. In developing countries, like Pakistan, post-disaster recovery process is slow with restricted access and implementation in rural areas; this in turn strains the life of female affectees. There is extensive research on disasters but the issue of women factory disaster affectees, is an understudied area. This qualitative study aims to fill that gap by exploring the lived experiential realities of such women. Specifically, the study was conducted in the village Khurram Paracha, which is an underprivileged area of Pakistan in the area of Punjab. Occupants suffered the loss of their earning male members from various factory disasters that occurred from 2007 to 2017. Overall, fifteen in-depth in person interviews were conducted with women affectees. Braun and Clark’s seven steps of analysis was used for data analysis. Key findings of my study suggest that after the death of male breadwinner, women become head of household and had to manage everything on their own. It uncovers the issues and challenges these women face and also highlights the coping strategies these women adopt to make their survival possible. Research study indicates that factors such as marginalization on the basis of gender, underprivileged background, lack of education and limited access to economic activities contribute to their vulnerability. Further, the increased workload leads to serious health issues. The recurring themes include challenges like social and cultural norms, financial constraints, negative attitude and non-cooperation of relatives and lack of effective financial help from factory owners. Their coping strategies include the support of social networks, belief in just system and motherhood. Study also reveals the empowerment of females as head of household. Freedom of decision making, land and house ownership were the identifying factors that were seen as sources of empowerment and security by respondents. The study concludes that headship was not their choice but female members make it possible and gain empowerment despite significant constraints. The study suggests that there is need for more comprehensive disaster management and recovery process for supporting these underprivileged women in a more effective way. Key words: Man-made disasters, Vulnerability, Lived experiential realities, Financial constraints, Female headed household, Marginalization.