Gender issues in disaster: understanding the relationships of vulnerability, preparedness and capacity

Environment and Ecology Research 3(5), pp. 136-142, 2015; doi: 10.13189/eer.2015.030504

The aim of the study is to explore the gender issues in disaster and to understand the relationships between vulnerability, preparedness and capacity following a qualitative method on the basis of secondary sources.

The study notes that the women living in coastal areas are facing more difficulties due to the complexity of the atmosphere where their activities are not properly recognized in disaster planning and management. However, the study points out that women, particularly those from poor families, are primarily responsible for their domestic roles due to culturally dominated labour division.

The study recommends that women should be involved in emergency planning and disaster management process by ensuring their active participation. The inclusion of a greater number of women in the emergency management profession could help in the long term to address disaster risks.