“The damage of the quake of Tuesday is beyond one’s imagination. Although it is very difficult to determine the exact figure I have seen bodies all along the main street of Port-Au-Prince. I have heard the voices of children trapped in the rubble of their schools,” says Plan’s Director in Haiti, Rezene Tesfamariam.

Women and girls are especially affected in humanitarian crises.  In Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, women and girls are already marginalized in education, income, health and political participation.  When a disaster strikes, these disparities are compounded.  Women are often responsible for the most vulnerable people, including babies and the elderly.  They face greater chances of hunger, homelessness and violence.  If they are not seen and heard, they may also have a more difficult time accessing aid delivered in response to the crisis.  As well, Haiti already has the highest rate of maternal death in the region, making pregnant women especially vulnerable after the earthquake. (what is maternal death?)

“The quake has left thousands of families without homes and the city has turned into a collection of makeshift camps, ” says Tesfamariam.  Plan’s main focus will be to help children and families by providing water and sanitation, food, medical care, shelter and child protection.

After the chaos of the crisis subsides, it is important to think about impact on women in the long term.  For example, girls may take a larger family responsibility as a result of the death or injury of their parents, making it difficult for her to attend school.  But, there is also, perhaps, an opportunity for women within this crisis if they are involved in rebuilding their communities.

If you would like to contribute to Plan’s efforts to help children in Haiti, click here.  The Canadian government is matching all funds raised by the organization between January 12 and February 12.