Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 1 STUDY TEAM

Mr. Sabin Shrestha (Team leader) Ms. Roshana Pradhan Mr. Subin Mulmi Mr. Prasiddha Pandey

STUDY COORDINATION Mr. Himal Shrestha Mr. Santosh Poudel

DISTRICT MONITORING OFFICERS Mr. Sthaneshwor Duwadi Mr. Rohini Raj Joshi Mr. Kapildev Khanal

DATA ANALYST Mr. Bikram K.C.

Publication No.: 193

2017

Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD)

Working for non-discrimination and equality Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

Chapter I : Introduction 1

Chapter II: Research Design 5

Objective 5

Scope and Limitation 5

Significance of the Study 5

Methodology of the Study 5

Chapter III: Research Findings and Analysis 6

Basic Demographic Information 6

Access to Information 9

Availability and Adequacy of Services 11

Quality and Utility of Service 16

Accountability and Transparency 22

Address for Special Needs of Women, Children, Elderly, Person with Disability and Marginalized Groups 23

Chapter IV: Conclusion and Recommendations 27 List of Abbreviation

CDO Chief District Office

DACFC Development Assistance Coordination and Facilitation Committee

DFO District Forest Officer

FGD Focus Group Discussion

KII Key Informant Interview

NDRF National Disaster Response Framework

NRA National Reconstruction Authority

PDRF Post Disaster Recovery Framework

UNICEF United Nations International Children’s Fund

USD United States Dollar List of Table

Table 1 : Number and percent of persons who received knowledge about relief process Table 2 : Number and Percent of Persons who received knowledge about Reconstruction Resource Center Table 3 : Number and Percent of Persons Listed Under Reconstruction List and having knowledge on Reconstruction Resource Center Table 4 : Respondents Listed in the Beneficiary Group Table 5 : Reasons for not being listed in the Beneficiary List Table 6 : Single Women led Family in the Beneficiary list Table 7 : Respondents Response to concluding Grant Agreement with concerned authority Table 8 : Gender Analysis of the Grant Agreement Table 9 : Respondents Response to Technical Assistance Table 10 : Respondents Response to Service from Reconstruction Resource Center Table 11 : Respondents Response to the overall service of Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Table 12 : Female owned household feedback on the overall rehabilitation and reconstruction process Table 13 : Respondents Feedback to the Reconstruction Grant Table 14 : Female owned household feedback on reconstruction grant Table 15 : Response to the adequacy of the Services provided by the Reconstruction Resource Center Table 16 : Female owned household feedback to the adequacy of the service provided by the centre: Table 17 : Timeline of the reconstruction of house Table 18 : Timeline of Construction of House of Female owned Household Table 19 : Respondents Response to the Earthquake Resilient Design of the House Table 20 : Response of the Female owned household to Earthquake Resilient Design of the House Table 21 : Persons listed under Reconstruction Benefit List who registered a complaint in the Complaint Management Unit Table 22 : Number and Percent of Persons whose complaint was heard Table 23 : Complaint Filed for Female Owned Property Table 24 : Performance Evaluation of NRA Table 25 : Response to the support for women in Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Services Table 26 : Respondents Response to Women, Children, Disable people and Elderly people friendly House Design Table 27 : Respondents Response to the question of Consultation of House Design with Husband and Wife Table 28 : Service Rating of the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Process Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 1

CHAPTER I

Introduction

On 25th April, 2015 a massive earthquake measuring up During any sort of natural disaster, women, children, to 7.9 richter scale shook the entire Nepal destroying old aged people and marginalized groups including most of the world heritage sites, killing more than nine dalits and indigenous communities are the most thousand of people and injuring millions. Not only did affected. Casualties during the April 25 earthquake were the earthquake take lives or injured the people but inevitable. Due to the lack of the disaster preparedness has also left hundreds and thousands displaced and of the government, after the incident a fear is around homeless thus, making them economically and socially that this fresh disaster will negatively impact the rights susceptible. 14 Districts of Nepal were hit hard and of children and women, disproportionately affect the are listed as affected districts which includes Gorkha, economy, erode development gains and set back Sindhupalchowk and Rasuwa. The tragedy has not only progress in achieving the Sustainable Development led to physical and economical losses but also for the Goals (SDGs). Thus, it may exacerbate already existing need of psychosocial counseling. vulnerabilities and inequalities of boys, girls, women and men. As disasters are a function of hazard, vulnerability Due to its topography and climatic conditions of Nepal and capacity, they are both a humanitarian and a earthquake, landslides, avalanches, floods, fire, become development concern. Similarly, marginalized groups, a common hazard for the country. In order to respond to women, children and senior citizens especially those such disasters, the Disaster Relief Act was promulgated who are in need of specific needs because of their socio- in 1982. But in the recent context with the changing times economic status as well as their physical and mental and evolving nature of human rights, the very act has health are deprived of basic information and services. proven to be insufficient to address disaster management They have less capacity to cope with disaster and are from a right’s-based approach. Similarly in 2013 the always kept in dependent positions. They are prone Government of Nepal, Ministry of Home Affairs prepared to many forms of violence including discrimination. a National Disaster Response Framework (NDRF) with Many women and girls who are staying in the camp and an objective to guide more effective and coordinated temporary shelter are facing various problems of not national responses in cases of a large-scale disaster. It having gender specific needs including separate toilet covers emergency responses at the national, regional, and room, not having appropriate clothing and hygiene district and local level from a holistic perspective of supplies, safe transportation, child care facilities in the needs and services. However, after the high magnitude relief camps, reproductive health services, and adequate earthquake of April 2015 in Nepal, the country was food and redress of Gender Based Violence, Trafficking characterized by insufficient disaster preparedness plan and Rape. in all the three stages - prevention, mitigation (rescue and relief) and rehabilitation, weak coordination among Responding to natural disaster is a crosscutting issue that state mechanism and other stakeholders, and in relief needs multi-pronged approach to deal with the mounting distribution. problems emerge all of sudden and across all sectors of life. Amongst the multiple effects of natural disaster, According to the Disaster Vulnerability and Risk violation of rights is one of the most serious problems. Assessment Study Report (UNDP/BCP 2004), Nepal A number of issues emerge at the same time while we ranks 11th in the world form earthquake vulnerability consider protection of human rights during the calamity standpoint. Likewise, the country is placed in 30th place period. It is from this perspective that there is pressing from floods aspect. In another similar report by World need to monitor the post disaster earthquake response Bank in 2005, Nepal is classified as one of the frequently from a gender and social inclusion perspective and to Natural disaster reoccurrence country. So it is important analyze the current laws, policies and the draft laws on to analyze policy, legal provisions and institutional natural disaster in Nepal. structures. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 2 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Legal and Institutional Framework homes with the cooperation of community. Similarly, it motivate for the reconstruction by making cooperative An Act Made to Provide for Reconstruction of the community, organizations, guthi formed by local people. Earthquake Affected Structures was promulgated Moreover, concerned person are held responsible for to create primary institutions for the reconstruction the risky property but if the concerned owner as a result after the devastation of earthquake of 25 April 2015 of economic incapability cannot reconstruct or demolish such as National Reconstruction Authority, National the property it can be conducted in the cost of the Reconstruction Advisory Council, Steering Committee, government based institution and authorities. Executive Committee, Chief Executive Officer etc. who are responsible for the reconstruction efforts Procedure Relating to Registering Land in the Name for the earthquake affected areas. The act aims to of Earthquake Affected Person has established a empower the NRA in order to promptly complete the committee with the CDO, DFO, Chief Survey Officer , construction works of the structures damaged due to a Land Registration Office and Local Development Officer. devastating earthquake and subsequent aftershocks, The committee could investigate about the possession of in a sustainable, resilient and planned manner, and to the land and its use and then provide the authority over promote national interests and provide social justice by the land to the applicant after verification of documents. making resettlement and translocation of the persons The procedure has provided that the past land tax has and families displaced by the earthquake.1 to be cleared and if the government birta land is being provided then such person has to pay 10% of the Similarly, the act defines “reconstruction” to mean works valuation of land or 7 times the present rate of land tax. relating to economic, social and physical development, new construction and reconstruction of the damage Similarly there are laws for the tender, used of wood from caused by the earthquake, in a sustainable, resilient and forest, environmental impact assessment, involvement of planned manner.2 NGOs and civil society etc. The authority has to conduct important functions relating to reconstruction such as to determine the damage caused Institutions by the earthquake, recommend appropriate action to the government, fix priority of the reconstruction, approve There are many institutions that are working in together such policies, plans, budget and programs with schedule to achieve a proper rehabilitation and reconstruction of operations as may be required for the reconstruction, efforts. There is institution in the Central level and local mobilize, as required, non-governmental organizations, level which has to coordinate in making the process private sector or community for reconstruction etc. the inclusive and effective. NRA is given a temporary mandate of five years with the The NRA Act has the provision for eight institutions 3 possibility of one year extension. that are responsible of reconstruction efforts in the The NRA regulation provides for the elaboration to the National Level. It includes institution such as National provisions of the NRA Act where it focuses on the specific Restructuring Authority, National Reconstruction goals such as earthquake resilient construction, quality Advisory Council, Steering Committee, Executive of construction and defines the functions of different Committee, Chief Executive Officer, Development institution related to the reconstruction.4 assistance coordination and facilitation committee, appeal committee and Expert group. The NRA also has Post Disaster Recovery Framework (PDRF) 2016-2020 was many local level institutions created. They are District promulgated in May 2016 that sets strategic objectives Coordination Committee, Resource Centre, Local Liaison towards the reconstruction that is resilient with the Committee and Grievances Management Committee. time specific priorities and institutional coordination and financial planning. The aim of the framework is The NRA is the main institution which has the to attend the inclusive reconstruction that addresses reconstruction of the damage caused by the earthquake social and economic reconstruction along with physical as its main objective. Then the National Reconstruction reconstruction by supporting livelihood of vulnerable Advisory Council is formed for the purpose of populations and restoring social infrastructure.5 advising the Steering Committee on the formulation of reconstruction policies and plans. The Council shall meet The framework encourages the families of single at least once in six months. Similarly, Steering Committee women, children, disabled and senior citizens to build has to act as the central body of the Authority. The

1. NRA Act, Section 3 2. Ibid, Section 2 (d) 3. Ibid, Section 3(3) 4. See Generally NRA regulation 5. See Generally PDRF. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 3

Executive Committee is formed to exercise and perform and transparent and to monitor such programs. Lastly specific functions, duties and powers as entrusted as the Appeal Committee is created to hear grievances and determined by the NRA. The Chief Executive Officer is complaint of those who are not satisfied with any actions. appointed as executive chief of the Authority. Additionally, The act provides for the members of such committees the Development assistance coordination and facilitation which is discuses in the graph below. committee is formed in order to make reconstruction programs run with development assistance effective

National Reconstruction Authority - NRA Organization Structure

Reconstruction advisory Steering Committee Appellate Committee Council

Executive Committee

Development Assistance Coordination Experts Team and Facilitation Committee Chief Executive Officer

ExCom ExCom ExCom ExCom Member Member Secretary Member Member

Policy, Planning, Urban Settlements, Rural Housing Human Resource Monitoring & Public Social Mobilization Sub-Regional Heritage Conservation & Settlements Management Buildings CEO’s Dev. Assistance Development and Rehabilitation Offices & Infrastructures Division Division Division Secretariat Coordination Divison Division Division (7 SR Offices)

Urban Settlements Social Livelihood, Heritage Rural Survey and Government Health and Mobilization Income Settlements & Housing Development Buildings Education Infrastructures Conservation & Community Mapping and Grievance Generation & Section Section Section Section Sector Redressal Employment Section Infrastructure Buildings Section Section Promotion Section Section

Policy, Development Training and Information and Financial Research, Assistance Legal Capacity Administration Planning & Communication Building Administration Coordination & Management Section Section Monitoring Budget Section Coordination Section Section Section Section Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 4 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Members of National Reconstruction Authority

District National Reconstruction Steering Committee Executive Committee Appeal Committee Coordination Advisory Council Committee

1. Prime Minister 1. Prime Minister 1. Chief Executive 1. A Judge des- 1. Member of Officer ignated by the Parliament 2. Leader of Main Opposi- 2. (b) Leader of Main Government of who rep- tion Party of the Legisla- Opposition Party of 2. Secretary at the Nepal on recom- resents the ture-Parliament the Legislature-Parlia- Office of the Prime mendation of the concerned ment or one person Minister and Coun- Judicial Council district to 3. Ministers designated by out of the Deputy cil of Ministers as the Prime Minister from amongst the Legisla- Leader, former Prime designated by the the sitting ture-Parlia- 4. Former Prime Ministers Ministers, former Chief Secretary of Judges of the ment Speakers, former the Government of Appellate Court 5. Chiefs of the political Deputy Speakers or Nepal 2. The Chief parties represented in the former members of 2. Two persons so District Legislature-Parliament the Constitutional 3. Four persons appointed by Officer Council, who are nominated by the the Government 6. Fourteen persons nom- members of the Leg- Government of Ne- of Nepal as to 3. Local Devel- inated by the Advisory islature-Parliament, as pal, on the basis of have repre- opment Council in a manner to designated by him or inclusive principle, sentation from have representation from 4. Officer her from amongst the amongst the each District, on the basis experts who have persons who of inclusive principle, from 3. Two Ministers desig- gained at least ten have gained amongst the Members of nated by the Prime years of experience at least fifteen Parliament who represent Minister in the concerned years of expe- the earthquake affected fields including na- rience in the Districts in the Legisla- 4. Chief Executive Offi- tional, international concerned field, ture-Parliament cer projects, after doing after doing at master’s degree 7. Chief Executive Officer 5. Vice-chairperson of least master’s the National Planning from any universi- degree from 8. Vice-chairperson of the Commission ty recognized by a recognized National Planning Commis- the Government university in 6. Chief Secretary of the sion of Nepal in infra- infrastructure, Government of Nepal structure building engineering, 9. Chief Secretary of the Gov- and engineering, 7. Three persons nomi- law, economics, ernment of Nepal law, economics, nated by the Govern- management, geography, geology, 10. Commander-in-Chief, ment of Nepal, on the economic or archaeology or de- Nepal Army basis of inclusive prin- social develop- velopment planning ciple, from amongst ment, archae- 11. Governor of the Nepal the experts who have ology, public Rastra Bank 4. Secretary gained at least ten procurement or 12. Secretaries of the Govern- years of experience in social develop- ment of Nepal designated the concerned fields ment by the Prime Minister including national and international projects, 13. Inspector General of Po- after doing master’s lice, Nepal Police -Member degree from any 14. Inspector General of university recognized Armed Police, Armed by the Government Police Force, Nepal of Nepal in infrastruc- ture building and 15. Five persons including at engineering, law, eco- least two women so nomi- nomics, geography, nated by the Government geology, archaeology of Nepal as to have rep- or development plan- resentation from amongst ning the experts of universities, non-governmental orga- 8. Secretary nizations, civil society or private sector 16. Secretary

Advisory Council has the provision for two women have to be its member. Apart from this provision, there is no other provision that makes the inclusion of women mandatory. The inclusion of women in the process has been dismal with only 2 women in 95 advisors. Similarly, apart from ex officio nominees, there are no other women being appointed. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 5

CHAPTER II

Research Design

Objective process have been evaluated in the report. Hence, this report is suitable and helpful to those have been seeking • To monitor the fairness of assistance rendered information regarding the relief and reconstruction through relief and reconstruction process with process, government approaches, national and respect to women and other vulnerable groups international organizations working on the sector, • To monitor the availability, adequacy, quality, current situation of the earthquake victims, grant amount utility, accountability and transparency of the provided by the government among others. reconstruction process in the targeted areas.

Methodology of the Study Scope and Limitation The study was based on both doctrinal as well as Though there are many earthquake affected districts, this non-doctrinal method that ranges from Focus Group report has limited its scope to major earthquake affected Discussions (FGD), Key Informant Interview (KII) to districts i.e. Rasuwa, Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk. Citizen Reports Card. Both qualitative and quantitative Similarly, the study of the report is limited to the data have been received using these methods while gender and social inclusion monitoring of relief and preparing the report. FGDs and KII in the targeted reconstruction process post earthquake period. This districts have provided qualitative data whereas Citizen report is categorized into two parts i.e. Relief and Report Card has provided quantitative data regarding Reconstruction. Hence, data presentation and analysis various aspects related to relief and reconstruction will be as well categorized in two parts. process. Charts, bar and diagram has been used for the analysis and presentation of the information. Similarly, on the basis of the findings of the study recommendations Significance of the Study have been made. This report is focused on the people affected by the The second phase of the gender and social inclusion earthquake with special consideration to gender monitoring being the reconstruction phase the area for and social inclusion in the relief and reconstruction the study includes Rasuwa, Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk process. This report helps to identify people involved district. Each district interviewed around 200 citizens in the process and those left out. This report also will whose interview resulted in the form of total 600 citizen explore about the accountability and transparency report cards, 30 Key Informant Interviews took place of the government while distributing relief and in in three targeted districts where different service reconstruction. Further, inclusiveness, availability, providers were interviewed and 3 FGD in each district accessibility, quality, responsiveness, urgency, complaint was organized comprising of earthquake victims, civil mechanism, impact and types of the reconstruction society, government agencies and other stakeholders. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 6 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

CHAPTER III

Research Findings and Analysis

Basic Demographic Information population surveyed on the basis of sex, caste group, religion and disability. Similarly, the demographic The report tends to provide the basic demographic information will also include the data regarding houses information of the survey conducted in the 3 project destroyed during earthquake, survey of those houses, districts namely Raswua, Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk. and ownership of those houses, types of family and This piece of information will be the basis for analyzing economic situation of family. The disaggregated data of the rest of the component of the study and monitoring. these groups will be described as below: Demographic information will include the data of the

Population by Caste

Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk

Caste Total

Khas Arya 20.71% 32.18% 31.48% 28.25% Janjati 76.77% 50.00% 61.11% 62.50% Dalit 2.53% 15.84% 3.70% 7.31% Others 0.00% 1.98% 3.70% 11.95% Total 100%

Population by Sex

Gender Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total

Female 21.83% 49.51% 46.98% 39.77%

Male 77.66% 50.49% 53.02% 60.06%

Other 0.51% 0 (0.00%) 0.00% 0.16%

Total 100% Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 7

Population by Religion

Religion Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total

Hindu 32.49% 72.20% 68.06% 58.07%

Buddhist 64.47% 22.24% 25.00% 36.73%

Christian 3.05% 2.93% 6.94% 4.37%

Islam 0.00% 2.44% 0.00% 0.81%

Others 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Total 100%

Population with Disability

Disability Raswua Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total

Yes 12.22% 3.54% 4.41% 6.53%

No 87.78% 96.46% 95.59% 93.47%

Total 100%

Houses Fully Destroyed in the Earthquake

Houses Destroyed Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total

Yes 94.92% 99.50% 99.53% 99.34%

No 5.08% 0.00% 0.00% 1.62%

Total 100% Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 8 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Survey of the Fully Destroyed Houses

Survey Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total

Yes 98.95% 99.50% 99.53% 99.34%

No 1.05% 0.50% 0.47% 0.66%

Total 100%

Ownership of House

Ownership Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total

Husband 94.36% 68.14% 67.61% 76.31%

Wife 5.64% 28.43% 23.00% 19.28%

Joint 0.00% 3.43% 9.39% 4.41%

Total 100%

According to the above table, we can see that all the three the destruction of their houses, 99.50% in Gorkha and targeted districts have highest number of Janajatis as the 99.53% in Sindhupalchowk. Since these districts are the most of the respondents are from Janajati group, second most earthquake affected districts, the data resulting is is Khas Arya and third Dalit and remaining are in other expected somehow. The house ownership trend of the caste groups. Also, the male number of respondents are survey shows that most of the houses were owned by men higher in number than female number of respondents as the statistics of all 3districts have shown that husbands whereas there is very low representation of other group have owned most of the houses in comparison to their of sexual orientation. Similarly, most of the respondents wife. Rasuwa has the highest percentage of houses seem to follow Hindu as their religion where Buddhist owned by men and there is not even one house in joint religion followers are in the second category where as ownership of both husband and wife. However, Gorkha Christian, Muslim and other religion followers are in and Sindhupalchowk have little number of houses owned minority. The demographic information also indicates by both husband and wife though this is disappointing in the number of people with disability where data shows itself. This statistics itself is an indicator that many women that Rasuwa district has highest number of people with are not in the beneficiary list and are devoid from relief disability whereas Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk are on and reconstruction process. same plane with similar kind of data. Similarly, the family The above being the demographic information of the types of all the 3 districts have joint family in majority report, the core areas on the basis of which gender and than single family. Moving onto the houses destroyed social inclusion monitoring finding will be analyzed are in earthquake, almost all of the houses in these districts listed as follows: have been destroyed in the earthquake as 98.95% of the respondents in Rasuwa district have adhered to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 9

• Access to Information NRA Communications and Outreach Strategy • Availability and Adequacy of Services NRA has devised a communication and outreach strategy with the principal expected outcome of informing in a • Quality and Utility of Service timely manner about NRA in the earthquake affected • Accountability and Transparency communities. The following values have been identified for the Strategy to rely upon: • Address for Special Needs of Women, Children, Elderly, Person with Disability and Marginalized • Transparency: NRA will be open and transparent in our Groups communication with people and communities affected by the earthquake, and other stakeholders to continuously seek broad participation in the national effort to Build Access to Information Back Better. • Respect: NRA will respect people as individuals, listen Article 27 of the Constitution of Nepal ensures Right to to understand and seek to enrich the lives of those with Information to all citizens of Nepal on any matter of the whom we work. 6 interest of the person or of public interest. According to • Integrity: NRA will not compromise on integrity. To be the Right to Information Act, 2007, right to information is honest, sincere and reliable is the way to earn trust and defined as “the means to ask for and obtain information build long-term relationships of public importance held in the Public Bodies and this • Team work: NRA will work together, inspire and help term shall also include the right to study or observation each other. of any written document, material held in Public Body • Excellence: NRA will strive to be the best that we can be, or proceedings of such Public Body; to obtain a verified using our talents and abilities to reach out and fulfil our potential. copy of such document, to visit or observe the place • Professionalism: NRA’s communication will be factual where any construction of public importance is going on (data based), credible and ethical, and will include both and to obtain verified sample of any material or to obtain proactive disclosure and timely response to questions re- information held in any type of machine through such lating to our work. machine.”7 The Act has also stated that an Information Officer shall be arranged in all the Public Offices for the purpose of disseminating information.8 The survey tried to find out the number of people who There are several public bodies under the National received information about two distinct services: firstly Reconstruction Authority (NRA) responsible to provide the process of receiving relief and secondly facilities of necessary information on the delivery of relief and for the Reconstruction Resource Center. the reconstruction of houses for the earthquake victims. Among them the District Coordination Committee, Reconstruction Resource Center, Local Coordination Information on Relief Process Committee and Complaint Management Unit are present Regarding the process of receiving relief, as evidenced in each district. Providing necessary information to the below (Table 1), a total of 517 respondents did receive victims has been a priority for the NRA and the NRA has information about it which is 83% of the total respondents. aimed to do that through these bodies.

Table 1: Number and percent of persons who received knowledge about relief process

Persons who received Persons who did not receive SN District No Answer information information

1 Rasuwa 89.44% 3.52% 7.04% 2 Gorkha 85.86% 13.17% 0.97% 3 Sindhupalchok 75.11% 21.21% 3.68%

6. Article 27, Constitution of Nepal. 7. Section 2(e), Right to Information Act, 2007. 8. Section 6(1), Right to Information Act, 2007. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 10 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Persons who received knowledge about relief The number was slightly low in Sindhupalchowk with process 75% and the highest was in Rasuwa with 89%. Also, it is interesting to note that respondents listed under 7.04% the Reconstruction List, only 96.46% had received 3.52% information about the relief process. If the access to information about the relief process Persons who received information is calculated specifically for respondents living in a Rasuwa 89.44% Persons who did not house owned by the wife, 77% of such persons received receive information information about the process. Thus a clear disparity for No Answer houses owned by women in terms of access to information cannot be seen.

0.97% 13.17% Information of the Reconstruction Resource Center With regard to information on the Reconstruction Resource Center, as shown below only 33% of the Persons who received persons knew about the Center. Comparing this data to information the number of persons listed in the Reconstruction List, Gorkha Persons who did not 85.86% receive information 38% had received information about the Reconstruction No Answer Resource Center. The remaining 62% had no information about the Center despite being listed as households under the Reconstruction List. This was extremely low 3.68% in Sindhupalchok with only 13% of the people aware of the Center whereas the situation in Rasuwa was high at 21.21% 64%. The FGDs in Gorkha found that the efforts made by the NRA to impart information regarding the relief

Persons who received and reconstruction process through televisions and information radio were not successful in reaching the actual victims.9 Persons who did not receive information (Table 2) No Answer 75.11% With regard to the house owned by women, only Sindhupalchok 17% had received knowledge about the Center. This is surprising considering that 77% of them had received information about the relief process. (Table 3)

Table 2: Number and Percent of Persons who received knowledge about Reconstruction Resource Center

Persons who received Persons who did not SN District No Answer information receive information

1 Rasuwa 63.82% 31.16% 5.02%

2 Gorkha 23.90% 73.66% 2.44%

3 Sindhupalchok 13.36% 84.33% 2.31%

9. Focused Group Discussion in Gorkha, Date: December 6, 2017. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 11

Persons who received knowledge about received information about the Reconstruction Resource Reconstruction Resource Center Center. This was outstandingly low in Rasuwa with only 29% of the respondents receiving both the information. 5.02%

Availability and Adequacy of Services Persons who received Availability of Services is one very important component Rasuwa information 31.16% Persons who did not in the reconstruction process as all other components receive information depend upon the availability of the services because No Answer adequacy, utility, quality, accountability and transparency all depends on the services being available in order to properly function. Hence, availability being the most 63.82% important part has been of important concern of all the acts, regulations, framework policies revolving around 2.44% the disaster management. As per the laws and policies, 23.90% the benefits of reconstruction will be available only to the target groups and the target groups only include

Persons who received people whose houses have been completely damaged Gorkha information by the earthquake of April 2015 and the aftershocks of 73.66% Persons who did not receive information the earthquake. Furthermore, the legal provisions have No Answer chalked out people eligible to get benefits from the state. They are the owners of houses that have been affected by the earthquake which cannot be repaired or maintained and apart from the damaged houses, people 2.31% 13.36% and families who do not have alternate houses or shelter to stay. However, the beneficiary holding more than one property shall not be the subject of the grants. Persons who received information In order to receive the benefits the earthquake affected 84.33% Persons who did not person must submit a photocopy of his or her citizenship Sindhupalchok receive information No Answer or voters ID card or copy of the land ownership certificate or the ID provided by the district natural disaster rescue committee. After being identified as victim of the earthquake only the government will identify and list the persons in the beneficiary list of the government for the reconstruction benefits. As per the study most of Comparison of the two kinds of information the respondents have been listed in the beneficiary list. Comparing the two different kinds of access to Rasuwa have 91.19% respondent listed, Gorkha 87.75% information that has been studied in the survey, the and Sindhupalchowk 79.72% listed in the list. Looking absence of uniformity in the delivery of service can be at the statistics, it is evident that Sindhupalchowk out of found. The inconsistency in the delivery of information other 2 districts have lowest number of people listed can also be seen. Only 60% of the respondents who in the beneficiary as only 79.72% respondents have had received information about the relief process also been listed which is less in comparison to the data

Table 3: Number and Percent of Persons Listed Under Reconstruction List and having knowledge on Reconstruction Resource Center

Persons who received information Persons listed under the SN District about the Reconstruction Resource Reconstruction List Center 1 Rasuwa 88.44% 63.82% 2 Gorkha 93.17% 23.90% 3 Sindhupalchok 77.88% 13.36% Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 12 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Persons Listed Under Reconstruction List and having knowledge on Reconstruction Resource Center

13.36% Sindhupalchok 77.88%

Persons who received information 23.90% Gorkha about the Reconstruction Resource 93.17% Center Persons listed under the 63.82% Reconstruction List Rasuwa 88.44%

of other 2 districts. Though there are low numbers of Government provides a note to the family in case of the people / respondents who have not been listed in the family is listed in the beneficiary group so that it will beneficiary group, the Focus Group Discussion shows be easy later on to provide the reconstruction benefits that people have been discriminated and are very on the basis of that note. However, the study shows that vulnerable as well. For instance, in Sindhupalchowk an some of the families who despite being listed in the old lady complained that her house was in the name of beneficiary list were not provided such note. Out of her son and she was living separately in the house. When the total respondents, 88.51% of the beneficiary have earthquake destroyed the house in which she was living, received note from the government whereas 11.49% her son was only listed in the beneficiary list as the house have not received the note. was registered in his name and she was left out in the Out of the 8.81% people not listed in the beneficiary process and her name was not kept in the beneficiary group in Rasuwa, 35% have cited the reason that the list. She was of view that old aged women, single women survey group intentionally left them out in the listing were not taken into consideration as a result they do process whereas 5% cited the reason that the local not have shelter to home.10 The participants in FGD in body did not provide assistance. The statistics is higher Rasuwa discussed that due to the delayed publication of in Gorkha district, as 56% out of the respondents not the beneficiary list, affected people could not get timely listed in the beneficiary cited reasons of survey group services.11 (Table 4) intentionally not recorded them in the list whereas 8% of

Table 4: Respondents Listed in the Beneficiary Group

Listed as Beneficiary Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total

Yes 91.19% 87.75% 79.72% 86.04%

No 8.81% 12.25% 20.28% 13.96%

Total 100%

Respondents Listed in the Beneficiary Group

20.28% Sindhupalchok 79.72%

Gorkha 12.25% 87.75% No Yes 8.81% Rasuwa 91.19%

10. Focus Group Discussion taken on 17th Magh, 2073 in Sindhupalchowk 11. Focus Group Discussion taken on 8 December 2017 in Rasuwa. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 13

them cited reasons of not getting help from local body. In single women are regarded as vulnerable groups and Sindhupalchowk, 28% people cited the reasons relating government has stated to provide support for such family to the intention of survey group whereas 25% cited and women, the reality is far from the myth created by reasons of no assistance from local body. The statistics the government in itself. Here, we are trying to found shows that the main reason behind people despite being out that how many single women led family are in the earthquake victim not listed in the beneficiary list is due to beneficiary list of the government. 4.3% families are led the government not being able to maintain accountability by single women and while filtering the number of single and the government body not being serious to plight and women led family in the beneficiary list it is found that concern of the earthquake victims. The participants in the Rasuwa having only single women led family have not Focus Group Discussion also stated that though being the been listed in the beneficiary list. However, in Gorkha earthquake victim they were not listed in the beneficiary all families led by single women have been listed in list due to the negligence of the engineers and they also the benieficiary group whereas in Sindhupalchowk claimed that the technicians and engineers did not seem 28.6% were not listed in the beneficiary group. to be knowledgeable as well. Similarly, the house owners (Table 6) whose houses have been partially damaged were in state of confusion for 1 and half year as the government could not make any decision related to the people. Out of those Grant Agreement for the Reconstruction people, some have repaired their houses on their own Owing to the grant agreements, out of the total which devoid them from being listed in the beneficiary.12 respondents, in Rasuwa District 95.65% have entered (Table 5) into grant agreement with the concerned authority for the relief amount whereas 4.35% have not. Similarly, in Gorkha, 88.44% entered into the agreement and 11.56% Single women led family in the beneficiary list did not. Finally in Sindhupalchowk 78.77% have and In Nepal, single women led family is in minority and 21.23% have not entered into the grant agreement. often they become the victim of nasty comments targeted The study also tends to look out that whether these upon them by the community and society. Though agreements are entered into within male member

Table 5: Reasons for not being listed in the Beneficiary List

Reasons for not being listed in the Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total Table 4: Respondents Listed in the Beneficiary Group Beneficiary list Survey group intentionally left out the 35.29% 56.00% 27.90% 37.64% Listed as Beneficiary Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total respondent in the process

Yes 91.19% 87.75% 79.72% 86.04% Respondent not present in the house at the 35.29% 0.00% 20.9% 17.64% time of Survey No 8.81% 12.25% 20.28% 13.96% Family Matters 0.00% 16.00% 2.32% 5.88%

Total 100% No assistance from Local Body 5.88% 8.00% 25.58% 16.47% No assistance from Multiparty Mechanism 0.00% 0.00% 6.97% 3.52% Others 11.76% 0.4% 4.65% 5.88% Total 100%

Table 6: Single Women led Family in the Beneficiary list

Listed as Beneficiary Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total Yes 0.00% 100.00% 71.43% 80.77% No 100.00% 0.00% 28.57% 19.23% Total 100%

12. Focus Group Discussion taken on 27 December 2017 in Rasuwa Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 14 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

of the family or female member of the family. The Availability of Technical Assistance findings of the data will show whether female member Earthquake and other disasters bring large amount of the society have been involved in the reconstruction of danger to people, their life and property. It is one process or not. This will show their participation in the of the misfortunes that cannot be prevented as well. process and we can generalize the overall situation of We just can prevent the number of damages from such women in the other earthquake affected districts as disasters if we are more concerned on the preventive well. Out of the total respondents 73.60% of the grant measures. And one of the preventive measures to be safe agreement was with the male member of the family and from earthquake is resilient infrastructures, earthquake only 17.34% grant agreement was concluded with the resistant construction of houses. Hence, in order to female member of the family. Moving on to the district construct such houses and infrastructures technical breakdown, 85.79% in Rasuwa, 70.45% in Gorkha assistance is must. Without technical help, it is almost and 65.24% in Sindhupalchowk) grant agreement impossible for people to cope up with another such kind was with the male member of the family whereas of disaster. Hence, owing to the importance of technical (5.11% in Rasuwa, 29.54% in Gorkha and 53.89% in assistance, respondents were asked if they were provided Sindhupalchowk) grant agreement was made with the with any kind of technical assistance in reconstruction female member of the family. This data shows that still of their houses where out of the total respondents who male are regarded as the head of the family and due to responded to the question, 32.58% agreed of receiving many of the grant agreements have been made in the the technical assistance whereas 67.42% have answered name of the male member of the family, there is high in negative. Similarly, in district breakdown as well chances that female member of the family might be left (73.99% in Rasuwa, 27.08% in Gorkha and 3.35% in out in the reconstruction process. As per the statistics, all Sindhupalchowk) agreed of receiving the technical of the respondents who have concluded grant agreement support where (26.01% in Rasuwa, 72.92% in Gorkha with the concerned authority have received the first and 67.42% in Sindhupalchowk) answered in negative installment of the grant agreement. However, the Focus i.e. did not receive any kind of technical support. Though Group Participants stated that while receiving the grants, in Rasuwa most of the people have received the technical they went to through numerous difficult and tiresome support, it is evident from the statistics of Gorkha and procedures which have made them reluctant to apply Sindhupalchowk district that most of the people have for grants. The participants also complained that person not received such support. The technical support is with full damaged houses only got the installments crucial part of reconstruction and this data does not show whereas families with partially damaged houses are not the promising reconstruction process. Also, as per the in condition to stay in the damaged house and also have Focus Group Discussion conducted in Sindhupalchowk got no help from the government for reconstruction of district it was found out that even people who have houses.13 (Table 7, Table 8) received grant do not really know about the earthquake resistant houses and people who has already started

Table 7: Respondents Response to concluding Grant Agreement with concerned authority

Grant Agreement Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total Yes 95.65% 88.44% 78.77% 87.23% No 4.35% 11.56% 21.23% 12.77% Total 100%

Table 8: Gender Analysis of the Grant Agreement

Gender Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total Male 85.79% 70.45% 65.24% 73.60% Female 5.11% 29.5% 53.89% 17.34% Did not Respond 9.09% 0.00% 18.56% 9.06% Total 100%

13. Focus Group Discussion taken in Magh 21 in Sindhupalchowk Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 15

the construction lacked idea and knowledge about the has adopted the principle of adequacy, the question quality of materials. Therefore, many of such victims remains there that whether the amount the government is could not build the houses as per the state policy. 14 planning to provide is sufficient reconstruct the house or (Table 9) not. The government will provide grant rupees 2 lakhs in three installments after the completion of the prescribed procedure. The beneficiaries themselves will be liable Reconstruction Resource Center for the cost amount, if th cost exceeds 2 lakhs rupees. Similarly, beneficiaries who are incapable to be liable Reconstruction Resource Center is set up by government for the cost amount, will be provided with discount up to in order to provide necessary information and service rupees 3 lakhs in group surety through banking systems. to the earthquake affected person and other service In case of the damage of more than one shelter the grant seekers. The center provides training regarding for rebuilding of one house will be provided. This is the reconstruction, information on quality of materials used in amount and procedure to be followed for receiving the the reconstruction, information regarding bank account, grant amount. However, questions have been on raise information regarding economic and technical assistance that this still is inadequate and people needs to be and counseling as well. Out of the total respondents provided more amounts of grant amount and services who responded to the question, 14.31% respondents for reconstructing their houses. In September 2016 the agreed of receiving the service from the resource center government decided to increase the housing grants by whereas 85.68% of the respondents did not receive any Rs. 100,000 (USD 1,000) for each recipient of housing kind of service from the resource center. This shows that support. It is also considering a Rs. 100,000 support for many of the earthquake affected people have not utilized retro fitting. This will add another USD 0.8 billion rupees the service provided by the government. This raises (estimating the total number of recipients at 800,000) to question that whether it is the people who should seek the PDRF estimate making it USD 9.18 billion. services in case of need or whether it is government who should reach out to people who are in need of the When asked about the satisfaction with overall service. (Table 10) reconstruction and rehabilitation process, the respondent had varied answers. 58.38% respondents from Rasuwa stated that it was excellent whereas none from Gorkha Adequacy of Services and Sindhupalchowk agreed that it was excellent. In Only providing services and technical support is not Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk, the majority rated the sufficient, it is necessary to see whether these services are process as good with 62.81% and 73.93% respectively. adequate or not for the affected people. Adequacy refers Overall 73.81% rated the process as either excellent or to sufficiency. According to the National Reconstruction good whereas 15.98% rated it to be only satisfactory and Act, the principle of adequacy has been included stating 10.21% did not know what we were asking about. This that the reconstruction process should be adequate for shows that majority of the respondent liked the overall an earthquake affected persons wellbeing. Though it process.. The overall district breakdown is detailed as below. (Table 11, Table 12)

Table 9: Respondents Response to Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total Yes 73.99% 27.08% 3.35% 32.58% No 26.01% 72.92% 96.65% 67.42% Total 100%

Table 10: Respondents Response to Service from Reconstruction Resource Center

Service from Reconstruction Resource Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total Center Yes 31.94% 8.70% 3.88% 14.32% No 68.06% 91.30% 96.12% 85.68% Total 100%

14. Focus Group Discussion taken on 17 Magh, 2072 in Sindhupalchowk district Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 16 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Table 11: Respondents Response to the overall service of Reconstruction and Rehabilitation

Service of Reconstruction and Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total Rehabilitation Very Good 58.38% 0.00% 0.00% 18.95% Good 26.40% 62.81% 73.93% 54.86% Not Satisfactory 7.61% 34.17% 6.64% 15.98% Don’t Know 7.61% 3.02% 19.43% 10.21% Others 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Total 100%

Table 12: Female owned household feedback on the overall rehabilitation and reconstruction process

District | Overall Feeling Excellent Good Satisfactory Do not know Others Total Rasuwa 20.00% 70.00% 0.00% 10.00% 0.00% 8.77% Gorkha 0.00% 69.64% 25.00% 5.36% 0.00% 49.12% Sindhupalchowk 0.00% 60.42% 6.25% 33.33% 0.00% 42.11% Total 100%

Female owned household feedback on the overall rehabilitation and reconstruction process

33.33% 6.25% Sindhupalchok 60.42% 0% 5.36% Gorkha 25.00% 69.64% 0%

10.00% 0% Rasuwa 70.00% 20.00%

Do not know Satisfactory Good Excellent

When the data is disaggregated with the respondent Quality and Utility of Service being female owned household, it is seen that very few Quality from Rasuwa thought the process was excellent. The majority of respondent did rate the process as being The quality of the services provided is very important. good with 70.00%, 69.64% and 60.42% for Rasuwa, It assures that the victims got the relief that has quality Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk respectively. Overall, which could ensure lesser impact and more resilience in 65.79% rated the service to be good and only 1.75% the event of another tragedy. There are many provisions rated it to be excellent. The ratio of respondent stated to ensure quality is delivered. There is a provision for that they did not know increased to 17.54%. Legislative monitoring and direction committee where district coordination committee shall monitor the local Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 17

level. Therefore there is a monitoring to ensure quality When the data is disaggregated with the respondent in both central level and district level. Similarly, the being female owned household, the trend looks similar national vigilance center is responsible for the technical in case of the grant being timely and easy to get with assessment relating to restructuring and reestablishment. one notable exception in case of Rasuwa District where Additionally, the act provides for result oriented it plunges to the level of 63.64%. Similarly, the overall monitoring through an independent monitoring body percentage of respondent expressing grant being timely and includes the training of human recourse through and easy drops to 85.87%. (Table 14) various I/NGOS will be used in reconstruction. Similarly, the adequacy of the Resource Center was The research asked the question of whether the also examined to access the quality of services that the reconstruction grant was provided on time and easily or government provided through such Resource Center. was it late and complicated to get. Overall, 87.06% stated The research asked the question about the services that it was easy to get and on time where as 12.94% provided by the Resource Center being adequate and stated that the grant was late and complicated to get. the overall percentage suggests that 41.86% agreeing The data suggest that the distribution had similar pattern that the service provided was adequate and 58.14% of satisfaction (it was 85.47%, 90.59% and 85.09% in claiming it to be inadequate. The data varies among Rasuwa, Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk respectively). the districts were the all respondent of Sindhupalchowk (Table 13) stated that the service was inadequate. In case of Rasuwa and Gorkha 54.35% and 69.12% agreed that the service Respondents Feedback to the Reconstruction Grant was adequate. (Table 15, Table 16) 90.59% 85.47% 85.09% The data suggests that the experience of the respondent varies with the district. In case of Rasuwa, the overall experience of the respondent suggests that they were generally content with the service provided with the 85.47 % considering grant to be easy and timely, 54.35% saying resource center performance being adequate and 58.38% saying that the reconstruction and rehabilitation process was excellent. However, when gender analysis 14.53% 14.91% 9.41% is considered, the very few respondent from the female owned household suggest that the issue of ownership is exists in the district and therefore the real experience of Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk women in Rasuwa is of exclusion. Easy and timely Complicated and late

Table 13: Respondents Feedback to the Reconstruction Grant

District | Grant Experience? Easy and timely Complicated and late Total Rasuwa 85.47% 14.53% 35.10% Gorkha 90.59% 9.41% 33.33% Sindhupalchowk 85.09% 14.91% 31.57% Total 100%

Table 14: Female owned household feedback on reconstruction grant

District | Grant Experience? Easy and timely Complicated and late Total Rasuwa 63.64% 36.36% 11.96% Gorkha 89.80% 10.20% 53.26% Sindhupalchowk 87.50% 12.50% 34.78% Total 100% Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 18 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Female owned household feedback on reconstruction grant

12.50% Sindhupalchok 87.50%

10.20% Gorkha 89.80%

36.36% 63.64% Rasuwa

Complicated and late Easy and timely

Table 15: Response to the adequacy of the Services provided by the Reconstruction Resource Center 100% District | Service Adequate Inadequate Total Exp. 69.12% 54.35% Rasuwa 54.35% 45.65% 26.74% 45.65% 30.88% Gorkha 69.12% 30.88% 39.53%

Sindhupalchowk 0.00% 100% 33.73% 0% Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total 100% Adequate Inadequate

Table 16: Female owned household feedback to the adequacy of the service provided by the centre:

District | Service Exp. Adequate Inadequate Total Rasuwa Na Na Na Gorkha 71.43% 28.57% 77.78% Sindhupalchowk 0.00% 100% 22.22% Total 100%

Similarly, in case of Gorkha the Resource center has been reconstruction, and people should be provided the more effective than other districts with 69.12% stating necessary means and information to build safely.15 that it was adequate whereas the participant did not Additionally, the person affected has to be provided consider the reconstruction and rehabilitation process as financial assistance in tranches, supported by timely excellent and majority considered it to be good. Similar provision of technical assistance, training and facilitation, data is seen for the female owned household. Gorkha so that people can rebuild as soon as possible. It is had the highest number of female owned household critical that there is a uniform approach to support and respondent albeit it still being low. implementation for universal coverage earthquake affected districts.16 The main aim of NRA is to build the earthquake resilient infrastructure and society. Utility The utility of the services is an important aspect of the reconstruction effort. The available goods has to Post Disaster Recovery Framework (PDRF) states that be properly utilized otherwise it would not serve the the principle of Building Back Better should guide purpose of the reconstruction. The expected utility of

15. PDRF, Strategic Recovery Objectives 2. 16. PDRF, Strategic Recovery Objective 1. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 19

the post disaster reconstruction is based on two factors where after almost two years after the earthquake the that include the availability of the help to construct the reconstruction efforts has been slow with Sindhupalchowk infrastructure and the resilience of the infrastructure being the least reconstructed district among the three towards future damage. Both of these factors help to districts with 82.13% still without any progress. measure overall utility to the services and goods that the When the female owned households are considered, it government has provided. is clear that the reconstruction has not started for most The positive step taken in the NRA Act is the clause of social of the house. In Rasuwa 45.45% has not started the inclusion.17 The NRA is suppose to ensure the solutions reconstruction work and the rate is 44.44% for Gorkha benefit the poorest and ensures that interventions are and 91.11% for Sindhupalchowk. Overall 63.64% has to tailored to meet their needs.18 The community groups start the reconstruction process. (Table 18) should be organized to support reconstruction of houses In case of the houses being earthquake resilient, of single women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, 85.63%, 60.32% and 12.63% replied that their marginalized groups and communities living in remote construction is earthquake resilient in Rasuwa, Gorkha and inaccessible areas and to help them access recovery and Sindhupalchowk respectively. The construction assistance from the government and its partners. being most resilient is in Rasuwa and the houses in Mechanisms will be developed through the formation of Sindhupalchowk have very limited number of houses CBOs, to give priority assistance to the disadvantaged that are resilient. However, most of the respondent people for reconstruction of their houses. The NRA will in Sindhupalchowk replied that they are unaware set up coordination forums for interacting with the NGOs about the houses being resilient to earthquake with and civil society organizations and implement specific 78.16% replying that they simply do not know. It is also measures in partnership with these agencies. noteworthy that the post disaster reconstruction has the In the research the question about the time that the rate of 5.77% stating that the houses are not earthquake respondent started their reconstruction efforts was resilient. (Table 19) asked to which 572 out of 621 responded to the question. When the female owned household is considered, The data suggests that the distribution of grant and the design being resilient drops to 50.00%, 74.55% start of reconstruction has different implication in and 8.51% for Rasuwa, Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk three districts. In Rasuwa District, 70.27% started respectively making 44.55% resilient overall. Similarly, their reconstruction before receiving any grant where the non resilient house number also increases to 7.27% as in Gorkha and Sindhupalchowk very few started overall. Furthermore, the percentage of respondent construction before receiving grant (3.33 and 3.38% stating that they do not know increased to 48.18%. respectively). Furthermore, in case of the reconstruction (Table 20) after receiving the grant has inverse trend where only 7.57% ion Rasuwa and 61.11% and 14.49% in Gorkha In FGD of Rasuwa and Gorkha District, the participants and Sindhupalchowk has started after receiving the stated that they have received the first installment but grant amount. Sindhupalchowk has disappointing data have not been able to start the construction process due of 82.13% not yet starting their reconstruction whereas to lack of technical knowledge. In Sindhupalchowk FGD, Rasuwa has lowest rate at 22.16%. (Table 17) the grant amount was considered to be minimal and they face the problem with the quality of goods such as In aggregated data, it can be seen that only 51.9% has cement, bricks etc. which has skyrocketed in its pricing. started their reconstruction work and 48.1% still have not started reconstruction. This is a disappointing situation

Table 17: Timeline of the reconstruction of house

Before Receiving After Receiving S.N. District Not Started Total Grant Grant 1 Rasuwa 70.27% 7.57% 22.16% 32.34% 2 Gorkha 3.33% 61.11% 35.56% 31.47% 3 Sindhupalchowk 3.38% 14.49% 82.13% 36.19% Total 100%

17. NRA Act, Section 2(d). 18. PDRF, Approaches for Policy Implementation, Social Inclusion. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 20 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Timeline of the reconstruction of house

82.13% Sindhupalchok 14.49% 3.38%

35.56% Gorkha 61.11% 3.33% Not started 22.16% Rasuwa 7.57% After receiving grant Before receiving grant 70.27%

Table 18: Timeline of Construction of House of Female owned Household

District |Construction Work Before receiving grant After receiving grant Not started Total

Rasuwa 36.36% 18.18% 45.45% 10% Gorkha 0.00% 55.56% 44.44% 49.10% Sindhupalchowk 2.22% 6.67% 91.11% 40.90% Total 100%

Timeline of Construction of House of Female owned Household

91.11% 6.67% Sindhupalchok 2.22%

Gorkha 44.44% 55.56% Not started 0% After receiving grant Before receiving grant 45.45% Rasuwa 18.18% 36.36%

Table 19: Respondents Response to the Earthquake Resilient Design of the House

District Yes No Do not know Total

Rasuwa 85.63% 4.38% 10.00% 28.89%

Gorkha 80.32% 3.19% 16.49% 33.94%

Sindhupalchowk 12.62% 19.22% 78.16% 37.17%

Total 100% Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 21

Respondents Response to the Earthquake Resilient Design of the House 85.63% 80.32%

Yes No

12.62% 9.22% 4.38% 3.19%

Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk

Table 20: Response of the Female owned household to Earthquake Resilient Design of the House

District | Grant Experience? Yes No Do not Know Total

Rasuwa 50.00% 25.00% 25.00% 7.27%

Gorkha 74.55% 5.45% 20.00% 50.00%

Sindhupalchowk 8.51% 6.38% 85.11% 42.73%

Total 100%

Response of the Female owned household to Earthquake Resilient Design of the House 85.11% 74.55% 50.00%

Yes 25.00% 25.00% No 20.00% Do not know 8.51% 6.38% 5.45%

Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 22 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

Accountability and Transparency With regard to the grievance hearing system, the study found that only 7.97% (among the persons listed in the The transparency and accountability of the NRA has beneficiary List) in total had filed a complaint in the been heavily prioritized by the NRA. NRA has made Complaint Management Unit. (Table 21) all the information pertaining to its work available in its website including the details of the expenditure for Table 21: Persons listed under Reconstruction Benefit List who registered a complaint in the Complaint each affected district.19 According to the Post Disaster Management Unit Recovery Framework (2016 - 2020) of the NRA, it has been stated that the NRA will conduct public hearing at SN District Percentage least once in six months20 and will present a public report 1 Rasuwa 7% on reconstruction and expenditure and submit an annual report to the government. Additionally, it has specified 2 Gorkha 6% that a committee for grievance redressal will be available 3 Sindhupalchok 11% to those adversely affected during reconstruction.21 Total 8% Under NRA, the Development Assistance Coordination Interestingly, out of the complaints filed, only 16% of the and Facilitation Committee (DACFC) monitors entire complaints were heard. This is also substantiated and ensures the effectiveness and transparency of by the FGD conducted in Gorkha27 where the 16 programmes run with development assistance.22 The participants stated that they had no knowledge about the Development Assistance Coordination and Facilitation complaint management unit and no other mechanism was Committee have eleven members representing national present specifically for women and other marginalized and international development partners and civil society. communities. FGDs conducted in Rasuwa also found that Convened by the CEO, its role is to monitor and ensure the complaints that had been filed had not been heard for the effectiveness and transparency of programmes runs more than a year.28 Even the government representatives with development assistance.23 expressed their disappointment in the failure to hear the Accountability and transparency in the allocation and issues and complaints filed by persons not listed in the 29 use of reconstruction funds are concerns, particularly beneficiary list. (Table 22) at the local level. For example, the system for tracking Table 22: Number and Percent of Persons whose beneficiaries of housing grants should be able to detect complaint was heard any fraud in claims. The NRA is required to undertake beneficiary selection in a transparent manner in SN District Percentage consultation with the guthi, local clubs, community 1 Rasuwa 31% groups and people’s representatives in each affected 2 Gorkha 0% district.24 Tools such as a system for tracking programme 3 Sindhupalchok 16% beneficiaries and their entitlements are thus being developed by the NRA.25 Total 16%

Additionally the grievance redress system, third party Among the total number of complaints filed, only 21% audits, social audits and the public hearings stipulated of them were for the reconstruction of female owned in the Reconstruction Act are aimed to further strengthen properties. Out of which only 33% were heard as can be the accountability and transparency of the recovery evidenced in the table. (Table 23) and reconstruction programme.26 The Complaint Management Unit is responsible to look after such The respondents were also asked about the performance grievances. of the NRA. As the data below suggests, only 2.74% of

19. More information can be found on the official website of NRA. Please see http://nra.gov.np/ . 20. Section 23, An Act Made To Provide for Reconstruction of the Earthquake AffectedStructures, 2015. 21. Nepal Earthquake 2015: Post Disaster Recovery Framework (2016 - 2020), National Reconstruction Authority, Government of Nepal, p. 22. 22. Section 20, An Act Made To Provide for Reconstruction of the Earthquake AffectedStructures, 2015. 23. Ibid. 24. Nepal Earthquake 2015: Post Disaster Recovery Framework (2016 - 2020), National Reconstruction Authority, Government of Nepal, p. 39. 25. Ibid. 26. Section 19, An Act Made To Provide for Reconstruction of the Earthquake AffectedStructures, 2015. 27. Focused Group Discussion conducted on December 3, 2016. 28. Focused Group Discussion conducted on December 27, 2016. 29. Focused Group Discussion conducted on January 27, 2017. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 23

Table 23: Complaint Filed for Female Owned Property

SN Districts % of Complaints Filed % of Complaints Heard 1 Rasuwa 8% 8% 2 Gorkha 27% 0% 3 Sindhupalchok 26% 10% Total 21% 7% respondents found the work of the NRA to be very good make provisions for its own capacity building in this and 73.1% found the work to be good. Surprisingly, area.30 19.16% refused to have any opinion on this question. The government has planned to formulate programs (Table 24) by identifying the special needs of extremely poor Table 24: Performance Evaluation of NRA families, dalits, pregnant and single women, people with disability, children who are in risk, senior citizens Very Don't SN Districts Good Bad of the earthquake affected areas. Similarly, the legal Good know provisions provides for preventing the occurrence of 1 Rasuwa 3.01% 52.77% 12.06% 32.16% child labor while rebuilding and equal wage for equal 2 Gorkha 4.86% 89.75% 0.5% 4.89% work between men and women. The provisions have also provided for the one third of women participation in 3 Sindhupalchok 0.5% 76% 2.8% 20.7% trainings and orientations organized by the government if possible. Similarly, encourage people with disability Address for Special Needs of women, children, by providing them with skill development trainings elderly, and person with disability and for livelihood and running business according to their marginalized groups needs. Special attention to be provided in regard to social security, basic health, reproductive health, child Women, children, elderly, person with disability and health, health of adolescents and nutritional progress marginalized groups are vulnerable groups and they of the earthquake affected areas. Government therefore tend to be more vulnerable during the period of disaster. has tried to introduce various services that are women, These groups are prone to be crime victims during the child, disabled, elderly, marginalized group friendly. disaster and post disaster period. Hence, it is necessary Government specifically has introduced special relief to take special measures for the protection of these services for woman providing them with the relief targeted groups during the time of disaster and this support for agriculture, industry, tourism and protection applies to the reconstruction process as well. The act on from domestic and gender violence. During the FGD, reconstruction has guaranteed various special provisions the participants stated that though the government has regarding the address of special needs of certain groups introduced various kinds of relief support program, of people such as lactating mother or birthing mothers or skill and income generating activities, but they have pregnant women, need of aged, and senior citizens, needs not yet received any kind of such skill development of physically disabled people etc. As per the provisions trainings and the case is similar with dalit, marginalized, mentioned, reconstruction must be done in a way that elderly and other vulnerable groups.31 In order to find meets the requirements of the people in need. This would out whether women have actually received this service mean no discrimination and no exclusion. The houses that or not, respondents were asked the question. Out of the are being constructed must be women, child friendly and total respondents, 57.04% responded that the women disable friendly. Not only the houses be disable friendly have received relief support for agriculture, 4.18 % but other infrastructures as well should be disabled responded that women also have received support for friendly. Similarly, the National Reconstruction Authority operating industry, 0.48% responded that women have (NRA) has made a framework which mentions that NRA received support for homestay and tourism industry and will undertake several measures to address the needs of 32.36% responded that women have received support women and other vulnerable groups such as those living for protection from domestic and gender violence. Many with disabilities. To ensure social inclusion, the NRA will of the respondents were unknown about the service as

30. Post Disaster Recovery Framework, National Reconstruction Authority, Kathmanud, May 2016, p. 38 31. Focus Group Discussion takein on 2073/10/14 in Gorkha Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 24 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

well. So, there is the possibility that other many affected responded as disable friendly and 29.30% responded people are unknown about the service and could not take the design as elderly friendly. Moving onto the district advantage of the services provided by the government. breakdown, (72.36% in Rasuwa, 80.49% in Gorkha and The Key Informant Interview (KII) conducted in Gorkha 12.90% in Sindhupalchowk) responded the design as district with members from concerned government and women friendly. Similarly, (71.36% in Rasuwa, 61.46% non-government authorities working in the sector stated in Gorkha and 10.60% in Sindhupalchowk responded that UNICEF has assisted in the protection of the children the design as child friendly. Regarding disable friendly and the old aged people. A protection cluster has been design, (34.17% in Rasuwa, 43.90% in Gorkha and 1.84% formed and inclusion based services, special protection only in Sindhupalchowk) answered in positive. And to the pregnant women, marginalized groups and dalits regarding elderly friendly design (25.63% in Rasuwa, are being provided.32 (Table 25) 52.20% in Gorkha and 11.06% in Sindhupalchowk) answered in positive. From the above statistics, Marginalized groups and women should also be Raswua seems to be very progressive. However, in considered as advocate of change and development Sindhupalchowk, the house design does not seem to be in reconstruction and thus should be given enough women and other target groups friendly. (Table 26) opportunity to develop skills in construction and get to work. In order to find out whether the house design map There is an opportunity to ensure that reconstruction to be constructed are women friendly, child friendly , and resettlement policies and programs are inclusive disable and elderly friendly or not questions were asked of women and those who are landless. Thus the National to the respondents. To the response, out of the total Reconstruction Authority Act has stated for joint respondents 54.27% responded the design as women ownership of husband and wife of the newly constructed friendly, 46.85% responded as child friendly, 26.08% house. Women in Nepal traditionally have limited land

Table 25: Response to the support for women in Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Services

District | Women Opinion Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total

Yes 65.83% 38.54% 66.36% 57.00%

Relief Support for Agriculture No 8.54% 55.12% 29.95% 31.40%

Don't Know 25.63% 5.37% 2.30% 10.79%

Yes 12.56% 0.00% 0.46% 4.19% Support for Operating No 49.25% 53.17% 88.48% 64.25% Industry Don't Know 37.19% 46.34% 9.68% 30.60%

Yes 1.51% 0.00% 0.00% 0.48% Support for operating tourism No 51.26% 51.22% 93.55% 66.02% industry/Homestay Don't Know 46.73% 48.29% 5.07% 32.69%

Yes 5.53% 33.66% 55.76% 32.37% Address and Protection from Domestic and Gender No 4.02% 42.93% 20.74% 22.71% Violence Don't Know 88.44% 20.98% 20.28% 42.35%

32. Key Informant Interview conducted in Gorkha district. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 25

Table 26: Respondents Response to Women, Children, Disable people and Elderly people friendly House Design

District | House design Opinion Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total friendly for

Yes 72.36% 80.49% 12.90% 54.27%

Women No 0.00% 8.29% 0.00% 2.74%

Don't Know 10.05% 9.76% 5.53% 8.37%

Yes 71.36% 61.46% 10.60% 46.86%

Children No 0.50% 23.90% 0.92% 8.37%

Don't Know 10.05% 12.68% 5.99% 9.50%

Yes 34.17% 43.90% 1.84% 26.09%

Person with Disability No 9.55% 33.66% 5.07% 15.94%

Don't Know 37.69% 20.00% 11.98% 22.87%

Yes 25.63% 52.20% 11.06% 29.31%

Senior Citizens No 24.12% 19.02% 1.38% 14.49%

Don't Know 32.66% 26.34% 6.45% 21.42% rights and access to entitlements. Recent legislation and with their husband or wife while deciding about the policies have started to change this; however, entrenched design of the house. Out of the total respondents, 84.99% cultural norms that whilst the policies may be in place, answered positive i.e. they have consulted with their people chose not to take them up. This has exacerbated husband or wife whereas 15.01% have not consulted. the impact of the earthquake on women, as their lack The district breakdown also seems to be somewhat same of rights and access to land- particularly, due to a lack which will be given as below. However, it is necessary of documentation or being named on documentation – to find out whether this is just a myth or reality because means that they need to rely upon local advocates to put people can fabricate the story while being interviewed. their case forward for support to the authorities. There However, if the statistics are regarded to be true, it is is the situation that husband or other male members of very progressive that both husband and wife are jointly the family even do not consult with female members of involved in the reconstruction process and say of women the family or wife whilst taking major decisions for the is also taking important place in a family. (Table 27) family. Hence, it may not be different in regard to the Success of reconstruction lies on how the people reconstruction process. Hence, respondents were asked perceive the reconstruction process and how they with the question that whether they have or not consulted

Table 27: Respondents Response to the question of Consultation of House Design with Husband and Wife

Have you consulted your husband or wife Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchok Total regarding the house design?

Yes 90.91% 93.43% 42.62% 84.99%

No 9.09% 6.57% 57.38% 15.01%

Total 100% Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 26 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

label it. The reconstruction process being operated has 49.11% evaluated as child friendly, 34.94% evaluated as been perceived to be women, child, disable, elderly, disabled friendly, 37.04% evaluated as elderly friendly marginalized group friendly by the government. However, and 42.67% evaluated the service as marginalized it is the response of the people that decides whether the group friendly. There were also considerable numbers reconstruction and rehabilitation process is target group of people who were unknown to the issue and had no friendly or not. Hence, respondents are asked to evaluate knowledge of what is women friendly or child friendly the service. To the response, out of the total respondents, reconstruction service. (Table 28) 69.08% evaluated the service as women friendly,

Table 28: Service Rating of the Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Process

Service Rating Opinion Rasuwa Gorkha Sindhupalchowk Total

Yes 78.39% 90.73% 40.09% 69.08%

No 2.01% 1.95% 6.91% 3.70% Female Friendly

Don't 19.60% 4.39% 49.31% 24.96% Know

Yes 79.40% 61.95% 9.22% 49.11%

No 1.51% 30.24% 11.52% 14.49% Children Friendly

Don't 18.59% 4.39% 75.58% 33.82% Know

Yes 56.78% 47.80% 2.76% 34.94%

No 10.55% 36.59% 13.36% 20.13% Disable Friendly

Don't 32.16% 11.71% 80.65% 42.35% Know

Yes 318.59% 64.39% 28.11% 37.04%

No 19.05% 18.05% 6.91% 11.27% Eldery People Friendly

Don't 71.36% 13.66% 61.29% 48.79% Know

Yes 13.07% 38.54% 73.73% 42.67%

Marginalized Group No 57.79% 29.27% 2.30% 28.99% Friendly Don't 28.64% 29.27% 20.74% 26.09% Know Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Post-Earthquake Reconstruction 27

CHAPTER IV

Conclusion and Recommendations

Conclusion unaware about the earthquake resilient infrastructure despite the recent earthquake and its effects. During any sort of disaster often the gender and social inclusion aspects get ignored during relief and Overall, the study shows that gender and social reconstruction. With intense situation being created inclusion has not been fully addressed in the relief after the disaster, management occurs in rush as a result and reconstruction process due to which the level of keeping aside the fundamental aspects of humanity i.e. participation of women and marginalized groups is low equality and inclusion. It is to be noted that every person in all levels of the reconstruction process. The delay in can work together as agents of change, reconstruction enacting the Draft Bill on Disaster Management has and rehabilitation but this notion gets carried away created problem in terms of smooth flow of reconstruction and women, children and other marginalized groups process. Due to the patriarchal values women and are left in the loop feeling vulnerable and weak. In a vulnerable groups are neglected. The political power patriarchal and divided society often these groups are play still hinders the smooth operation of reconstruction. not included in decision-making or any planning process The influence of politics has delayed the reconstruction and are discriminated. Even when distributing the relief process as a result putting lives of the earthquake victims packages along with the earthquake victims cards, it at risk for even a longer period. There is still need to work was found that preference was first given to households on accountable and transparent government. Timely headed by men rather than men. Similarly, it was found submission of report with timely updates and information that the men were the house owners in all of the districts sharing as well as public hearing at the earthquake and very low numbers of women were only found to be districts is necessary for maintaining accountable and house owners. This result in the grant agreement being transparent reconstruction process. Similarly, special concluded with the male member of the family which can needs of targeted groups should be properly addressed result in women being deprived from the reconstruction and if there are any specific policies and programs benefits. are being targeted to the group then it should be well informed to the general public specifically the targeted The overall response demonstrates that the providing groups i.e. women, children, person with disability, of grant amount has been effective with majority of the elderly people and other marginalized groups. respondent claiming it to be easy and timely. Regarding the service being provided by the Reconstruction Resource Center most finding indicate it to be RECOMMENDATIONS inadequate. The experience of overall reconstruction and rehabilitation process has been varied where in  The National Reconstruction Authority to work out case of Sindhupalchowk none of the participant found on a working calendar that will help the people to the service of the resource center to be adequate and easily understand the works being conducted and none found the reconstruction and rehabilitation process the timeline of the reconstruction process to be excellent.  The Grievance Management Unit should be more The high number of reconstruction that has not been functioning and should operate on the complaints started in Sindhupalchowk compared to two other received. districts demonstrates that the reconstruction effort  Management of Information Officer in each in Sindhupalchowk is very disappointing. Another concerned department of the government authority interesting observation is that the delay in reconstruction concerned with the reconstruction process of the houses owned by the female is higher.The findings demonstrate that the house owned by women face more  Law and policy makers to work on the definition of adverse effect when it comes to the construction being the quake affected person and families as per the resilient. It is very concerning that respondents are still intent of the objectives of the act Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in 28 Post-Earthquake Reconstruction

 To restart the registration process of the earthquake  While constructing model shelter for the earthquake affected people and family who were previously left victims, priority should be given to the family of out in the process single women, family with small children, family of person with disability and family of elderly people.  The principle of social justice mentioned in the preamble of the NRA act has to be assimilated.  Make arrangements to provide skilled and technically qualified manpower to remove and  Pre exercise and preparation required for the destroyed the risk prone houses and infrastructures effectiveness of banking system must be done before hand.  To take necessary steps to easily provide the construction materials to affected people in remote  To meet the goals lay down by provisions of the areas and to take initiative to bring uniformity in the national reconstruction and rehabilitation policy, price of such materials 2072 as far as possible  Participation of women and other marginalized  Practical implementation of the provisions groups should not be confined to law alone but also mentioned in special needs address. be implemented to the fullest.

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