Role of skilled female construction worker (Mason) in post- earthquake reconstruction and their Socio-Economic changes: a case of Gorkha Earthquake, Nepal

Abstract

Women are seen as a vulnerable group in most of the disasters, but disasters do not only increase women’s vulnerabilities; rather, it also makes women socio-economically empowered by giving opportunity in post-disaster reconstruction works. In 25th April 2015, Nepal was struck by major earthquake with magnitude of 7.8, which causes huge damages in housing. This earthquake has emerged a huge necessity of manpower in reconstruction. Skilled construction workers was in need for reconstruction process. So many women started to come out to join mason training to reconstruct their houses. The main aim of this study is to find the role of women in post-disaster reconstruction and socio-economic empowerment after the work. This study uses both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. One hundred and sixty two female who are working as masons were surveyed and two Focus Group Discussion and two Key Informant Interview was conducted. The result shows, even though women have started working outside the homes, they still have to manage the household responsibilities. The household responsibilities have not been changed after working outside the homes. They finishes the works in the households early and then goes to the work. This masonry work have brought social and economic changes in the lives of the women. The women have started to go out in the market than before. The women have more respected in the family and they have more decision making power than before. The women are also going out and participating in the social, political and religious organizations. The women also have more purchasing capacity. It shows that disaster not only makes women vulnerable it also increases the women’s empowerment in the society.