Josephine Mary Samikannu in Pakistan (CARE)
It is something that I have always wanted to do – even as a child. Circumstances deemed otherwise and I started my career with the private sector. Then 10 years ago, I joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Malaysia and the urge to fulfil my dream flared again. After almost four years behind a desk I was more than ready to get to the field. CARE gave me my first break and I started my foray into the humanitarian world in the conflict-affected northern districts of Sri Lanka. What started as a six-month assignment to work with internally displaced persons (IDPs) turned into four years. It was challenging work but very rewarding.
Do you see similarities between the current situation in Pakistan and what you saw in Sri Lanka?
Relief is relief. It's trying to meet the basic needs of the people. But there are no cookie-cutter solutions – it's always a matter of communication, of understanding the cultural context, and listening to people about what they need. Most importantly, it is about maintaining respect and preserving human dignity. We should never go to a community and act as if we're the experts. These are resourceful people who have survived and have amazing capacity to cope, and we need to build on that. At the end of the day it's about teamwork. It's like a jigsaw puzzle: all of us have a role to play – we all need to come together.
How can you help people in need in areas where access is limited and conditions are difficult?
Experience is important. CARE has responded to several emergencies in Pakistan over the past few years and we have the necessary staff expertise, access to suppliers and logistical support. We cultivate links with local partners, many of whom come from the communities we serve and are trusted there. We've worked with some of these partners since the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. With our longterm experience and their local connections, it's an effective way to respond quickly.
How do you meet the particular needs of women IDPs?
We engage women as well as men from the beginning in order to understand their needs. Some are obvious: extra nutrition for pregnant and lactating women; a private place for breastfeeding; particular hygiene items that are appropriate for the local culture.
Sometimes you hear surprising things. Women might be afraid to leave their laundry to dry because they fear it will be stolen. They may have escaped with only the clothes on their backs – so they're washing them and putting them on wet. In another case, the privacy curtains around bathing facilities allowed the silhouettes of women inside to be seen at sunset. We spoke to them they said, "It's so hot, but we'd rather put up with that than be exposed while bathing." It's easy enough to rectify such issues, but you have to listen.
As a woman myself, I find women will confide in me about issues they might be reluctant to discuss in front of men. Pulling women aside for a private conversation can be very revealing and promotes open discussions. In my experience, I have found the men supportive of women's needs too; especially in a crisis, there's a sense that everyone is in this together.
What challenges lie ahead?
The material needs are huge. Whatever supplies we had in stock, we've already distributed. We have plans in place to procure and deliver more supplies as soon as they can be obtained and, therefore, getting more funds is an urgent priority.
Our staff are committed to continuing their regular work, whilst also gearing up to meet this huge crisis. Resources are still needed for CARE's long-term work helping Pakistanis overcome poverty.
It's important not to lose hope. However challenging this job is, I think I'm blessed. I've had an opportunity to go to school; I have a roof over my head and enough to eat. That's why I give it my 101 percent and more!
