In order to address these problems, Romani Godi published a report titled “An Analysis of the Effects of the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes on Dom and Abdal Women in Malatya in the Context of Disaster Justice and Gender”. The report prepared by Sergen Gül, Peri Orun, Dilan Gezici and Dicle Zengin reveals the main problems Dom and Abdal women in Malatya face such as housing, health, education and employment.
Difficulties in Housing Conditions
According to the report, Dom and Abdal women faced great difficulties in being admitted to official tent sites and most of them had to continue living in makeshift shacks they built with their own means. Although 20 months have passed since the earthquake, women still living in tents in Malatya are deprived of basic services such as electricity and water. Those living in containers struggle with extreme heat in summer and severe cold in winter. The small size of the containers offers inadequate shelter conditions for crowded households. This situation negatively affects the physical and psychological health of women in particular.
Those staying in containers struggle with extreme heat in summer and severe cold in winter. The small size of the containers offers inadequate shelter conditions for crowded households. This situation negatively affects the physical and psychological health of women in particular.
Health Problems and Need for Psychological Support
While unhygienic housing conditions lead to the spread of infectious diseases, gender-based inequalities faced by Dom and Abdal women further complicate their health problems. Inadequate water, hygiene, sanitation, energy poverty and nutritional deficiencies make their daily lives difficult. In addition, lack of access to psychological support services for women traumatized by the earthquake hinders their healing process.
Problems of Access to Education
Increasing poverty after the earthquake makes it difficult for Dom and Abdal children to access education. Transportation, school expenses and other economic difficulties cause girls and boys to drop out of school. The increasing burden of earning a living and caring responsibilities cause women not to benefit sufficiently from educational opportunities.
Employment Discrimination and Precarious Work
The increased vulnerability after the earthquake exposes women to multiple discrimination. Women who work as peddlers have to struggle against this discrimination and face negative situations, including sexual harassment and assaults. In addition, women's opportunities to work in secure jobs have decreased after the earthquake.
Solution Suggestions Solution Suggestions
The report proposes the following solutions for Dom and Abdal communities to attain decent living conditions and to increase their access to rights:
- Housing: Safe containers should be provided in temporary settlements and each household should be provided with a separate container. In addition, special areas should be created for women and girls, and water and energy infrastructures should be improved.
- Food Security: Food aid should be distributed under hygienic conditions and regular support should be provided to families in need of baby formula.
- Health and Support: Provide health and psychological support services for women, and distribute hygiene items on a regular basis.
- Livelihood and Employment: Economic support and job opportunities should be created for women, micro-credit and entrepreneurship support should be provided.
- Education: Scholarships and support programs should be offered to girls, and the principle of “zero discrimination” should be adopted in schools. Transportation to education centers should be facilitated and shuttle services should be increased.
- Protection and Rights: Legal support and anti-violence mechanisms must be established for women and safe shelters must be built.
Call for Justice and Solidarity
Romani Godi emphasizes that disasters are not only limited to physical destruction but also a process that deepens social inequalities. The report titled “Investigation of the Effects of the February 6, 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes on Dom and Abdal Women in Malatya in the Context of Disaster Justice and Gender” draws attention to gender inequalities and calls for solidarity to increase the access of vulnerable groups to rights.
