Unfortunately, we see a potential for that to continue or even increase in 2001. The subject has been raised by two researchers, Bridget Byrne and Sally Baden of Britain's University of Sussex, who say that in future, emergency relief should be planned with women in focus right from the start. The cost of mistakes falls directly on women themselves, in terms of their time, energy and health. The way women tend to absorb a lot of these costs means they are often not immediately visible. Women usually make up a disproportionately large share of displaced populations in emergencies, often travelling to refugee camps or feeding centres with their young children, while men search for food and work or are caught up in the conflict.
Sexual violence is common, and it usually escalates when families are separated.
The way camps are planned can go a long way to protecting women. Private washing areas, safe access to water outlets and firewood, and protected living areas are all essential, say the researchers. They say that because women are in charge of cooking, they ought to be consulted on the choice of food aid. An unfamiliar food grain can take a long time to prepare and cook. This needs extra firewood - again, usually collected by women.