Natural disasters and conflicts can rob the most vulnerable people in society of a livelihood and a support system. But the ensuing emotional damage can last for a lifetime. One month ago, a nightmare arrived in Indonesia.
An earthquake hit , and was so strong that the earth turned to liquid, and a tsunami struck the heart of a major city. More than 60, houses have been destroyed; thousands of people are left homeless. No trace of them left behind. The local response has been incredible.
Community organisations, local government teams, business people and neighbours immediately scrambled to provide materials to make small camps, shelters and safe spaces for children.
Local woman Lian, for example, has set up a food kitchen where she is producing nearly meals a day for people living in camps. One of the most humbling things about being here, as a man, has been witnessing first hand how vital women are to rebuilding a community.
They also help prepare the community for the future, preventing new emergencies. But all too often, when disaster strikes and a relief effort swings into action, women are marginalised and their skills ignored. When this happens, the whole community suffers. Lots of them are now living in tents. I spoke to one man who had a job at a chemical company which has had to suspend its operations indefinitely. Several other people I spoke to here said the same had happened to them. Natural disasters and conflicts can rob the most vulnerable people in society of a livelihood and a support system β often leading to terrible poverty and inequality.
