Imagine a first responder to a natural disaster. If you imagined a man piloting a helicopter and airdropping supplies, you are only seeing part of the big picture. In communities facing disaster worldwide, the first and most lasting helping hand often comes from a much closer source: grassroots women leaders.
Safe place for women after the earthquake. Photo: WOREC. All rights reserved
Here is a different mental image of a first responder, one that emerges from Nepal’s devastating earthquakes - the latest of the two striking last Tuesday. Think of a team of women loading the back of a truck with urgently needed food aid and health kits, including special supplies for pregnant women and nursing mothers. They set off to visit hard-hit communities, delivering support to people who have been living in tents since the earthquake struck.
