The Impact of Disasters on the Socio-Economic Life of Girls in Budswat Valley, District Ghizer (A Case Study of Post-2018 Scenario)

Abstract

One of the most important global concerns is climate change. A long-term change in temperature and weather patterns is an immediate threat to human safety. Climate change and environmental degradation have led to a huge increase in natural disasters including floods and landslides in areas. These disasters have far-reaching effects on human beings, upsetting their societal and economic structure. Natural disasters often have profound socio-economic consequences, particularly in vulnerable communities. Socio-economic elements are the interrelated social and economic conditions that affect a person's or a community's prospects, security and well-being. These elements include income, education, employment, housing, health access, and social standing. Disasters disrupt these factors tragically by destroying physical and economic foundations. As a result, vulnerable groups particularly girls are forced into greater poverty because they have less access to income, healthcare, education and food. Preexisting inequalities worsen girls to leave school to support households, are at higher risk for health problems and are more likely to be exploited for early marriages because of financial hardship. The main focus of the study is to investigate how the post-2018 disaster affected the socio- economic life of girls in Budswat Valley. The people of Budswat Valley are a vulnerable community where the girls already face many challenges regarding their education, mobility and decision-making. On the 17 July 2018, a disaster hit the entire region. This disaster was caused by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) event. After the 2018 disaster, the girls of Budswat Valley are affected socially and economically. This may lead to a huge impact on girl’s daily lives. They face economic crises and psychological problems due to property damage and displacement. Gilgit Baltistan is one the most vulnerable regions to climate change in Pakistan, where climate change not only harms the ecosystem but also challenges the social and economic lives of the people. The glaciers of Gilgit are increasingly melting as a result of global warming. With each passing year, the temperature rises, causing natural disasters including glacial lake outburst floods. These occurrences lead to an increase in landslides and floods. The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) has historically played a significant role in climate change and natural disasters, particularly in mountainous areas. As part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) was founded in 2016. However, after the disaster , the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat collaborated closely with the Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA), the Pakistan Army, and the local government to deliver aid to impacted homes. This study explores the challenges faced by girls, focusing on their education and mental health. The current study attempts to investigate the consequences faced by girls in-terms of displacement and how environmental changes directly affect girls psychological health. The data of the current study was obtained through in-depth interviews, participant observation and field notes collected from displaced girls of Budswat Valley and analyzed through qualitative thematic analysis.The primary goal of the study is to investigate how climate change is changing and reshaping the future of girls in Budswat Valley. The study is grounded in cultural ecology theory and social impact theory of disaster management providing a dual lens to examine the dynamics of human environment interaction , adaptation to environmental changes, property destruction, psychological, social and economic disruptions caused by disasters. These frameworks illuminate how marginalized groups, especially girls, adapted to environmental challenges like climate change and how they cope with the post-disaster impacts. They also show how these groups were psychologically, socially and economically affected beyond property damage. Findings reveal that the Budswat flood of 2018 was not only a natural disaster but also a social and economic disaster. After the disaster, the girls reported the damage to their land, income, health, education and livestock, which were their only sources of income, were all wiped out. This Economic instability increases early marriages among girls and also worsens mental health issues. Displacement is one of the most challenging factors for girls. They live a sheltered life and live in tents or with host families, which is very difficult to survive. Displacement and cultural norms also further lead to restricting their mobility. Climate change in not just about melting glaciers. It affects everyday life, agriculture and its even affecting mental health and many other aspects of life. It is also a cultural crisis. It threaten not only natural ecosystem but also the linguistic and cultural heritage of indigenous communities.