A Structured Review of Emotional Barriers to WASH Provision for Schoolgirls Post-Disaster

Abstract

Pubescent girls face unique emotional barriers to returning to school after a disaster concerning water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This paper explores themes of WASH, gender violence, the lack of dignity and sense of shame arising from inadequate WASH facilities for girls in disaster settings. We conducted a structured literature review of 126 sources to investigate the emotional constraints facing pubescent girls concerning WASH in schools in Indonesia, a region prone to frequent disasters. Findings are synthesised into four major themes: psychological experiences of WASH, challenges faced by girls in schools, barriers to inclusive WASH provision and how to create a holistic approach to WASH. Key conclusions include the need for interdisciplinary research, cross sectoral collaboration, more evidence and research in Indonesia, especially regarding menstrual hygiene management, improved toilet design to reduce the physical barriers linked to emotional barriers and inclusive design for those with disabilities.

Effects of tropical cyclone Freddy on the social determinants of health: the narrative review of the experience in Malawi

“…27 This multidimensional approach is hinged on the need to urgently adopt a disaster management cycle and ethics to reduce the possible biopsychosocial effects on the affected population and most specially to reduce the morbidities and mortalities to the lowest possible level as shown by various humanitarian response investigators. [52][53][54][55] Generally, this paper revealed that the consequences and humanitarian response outcomes are more skewed towards women and children. It can further be seen that the gender with the highest population receiving humanitarian services across camps in the TCF-affected districts is females, confirming the higher proportion of female population in Malawi.…”

Community Resilience after Disasters: Exploring Teacher, Caregiver and Student Conceptualisations in Indonesia

“…Adolescent girls were selected as this study forms one component of a larger interdisciplinary project to foster resilient post-disaster recovery psychosocially and by improving water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for girls. Girls were exclusively included in this wider project due to their vulnerability to adverse psychological outcomes and inadequate post-disaster WASH facilities (see [84]). Therefore, this is primarily a study of female conceptualisations.…”