World Accord's Pakistan Flood Response

This is how our local partner organization - INSAN - responds to the needs of women and children affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. 

The Crisis
The people of Pakistan have been afflicted by heavy rains and flooding since late July. To date, the scope of the damage is immense: a fifth of the country – an area the size of California is under water, 4 million people are homeless, and almost all food crops have been destroyed. The scope of Pakistan’s needs is also immense. Most of the people affected still lack access to shelter, food, and clean water. These and preventing disease are the top priorities in times of crisis.

Women and Children Too
Hunger, cold, and thirst affect everyone following natural disasters. However, in Pakistan as in other countries, women and children suffer the most in times of crisis. This is because more women and children live in poverty, suffer from malnutrition poor health and lack of education, and live in regions where land is cheap but vulnerable to floods. Following a natural disaster, women and children are also more vulnerable to assault and violence.  They also have special health needs – particularly pregnant women and young children. In times of crisis, it is critical to address these specific needs too.

World Accord’s Response
World Accord is responding to the floods in Pakistan through its partner, the Insan Foundation. Insan promotes grassroots peace-building and the inclusion of women through education and training projects. Insan conducted a rapid assessment shortly after the flooding began. It found that many of the security and health needs of women and children are not being addressed. 

Insan and World Accord are responding to this gap by providing emergency kits to women in communities in the extreme North and South of Pakistan. These kits include blankets, emergency rations, feminine hygiene products, and solar-powered lanterns – for the security they provide. 

How to Help
World Accord is a registered Canadian charity based in Waterloo that has been working to end poverty and respond to human need for 30 years. It has supported development work in Pakistan for 20 years.  World Accord’s experience and relationship with a trusted partner guarantee that all assistance will reach those who need it most. You can help World Accord and Insan’s efforts by visiting our website (www.worldaccord.org), or calling 1-800-525-3545 or 519-747-2215. 

For more information, contact:

Nelson Rosales
Programme Coordinator
Tel: 519.747.2215
Fax: 519.747.2644
Email: nrosales@worldaccord.org