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While the destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina has created immeasurable
hardships for everyone involved, research shows that women suffer
disproportionately during and after disasters. In an effort to assist this
vulnerable population, Soroptimist International of the Americas—a volunteer
organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives
of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world—has made a
$10,000 disaster relief donation to the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic
Violence (LCADV).
The LCADV, a non-profit network that works to end domestic violence against women, is helping women with basic needs such as food, diapers, clothing and prescriptions. In addition, the group, which lost three shelters and closed four others due to the hurricane and floods, is relocating domestic violence victims who were staying at the shelters prior to Katrina. Because women occupy an inferior position in society before disasters strike, they are more susceptible to physical and sexual violence, forced to carry the burden of increased family responsibilities, and in need of specialized healthcare services. Soroptimist chooses to focus on women and girls in keeping with its mission. After the 9-11 tragedy, Soroptimist donated more than $80,000 to women's centers and shelters in New York City. Currently, the organization is considering proposals for women-focused tsunami projects, to which Soroptimist will contribute approximately $150,000. "Despite the heightened risks women face, their special needs are often ignored during disasters and in the reconstruction phase," stated Soroptimist President Jean Barth of Weston, Colo. "It's ironic because during times of disasters women are often the ones expected to take care of everyone else, which is why it's so important that they get the physical and emotional support they need." The organization made an initial $10,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with immediate need. For the long-term, Soroptimist will continue accepting contributions to its Disaster Relief Fund for Women and Girls and will research options to target a subsequent donation for long-range rebuilding projects that specifically benefit women and girls in Katrina-devastated areas. Soroptimist has also urged its members who have the necessary skills to volunteer their services to appropriate agencies that are coordinating relief efforts.
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