The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) says that women and girls suffer the most in humanitarian crises1. These crises, whether from war or natural disasters, lead to a rise in pregnancy-related deaths and sexual violence. Services for reproductive health often disappear during these times.
Women and children make up over 75% of those fleeing war, famine, persecution, and natural disasters1. One in five of them is pregnant. The World Bank found that the poor, especially women and kids, get less support from family and community. They also have less access to safety nets, making them more at risk during disasters1.
Key Takeaways
- Disasters affect women and girls more, putting them at higher risk of violence and exploitation.
- Haiti has faced 77 natural disasters in the last 20 years, putting over 96% of its people at risk.
- Emergency situations in Haiti have made women and girls more insecure and at risk of gender-based violence.
- There are efforts to make emergency shelters safer and train volunteers to prevent and respond to gender-based violence in Haiti.
- It’s important to focus on the specific needs of women and girls in disaster risk reduction to keep them safe and well.
Overview: Gender Inequalities Amplify Disaster Impact
Disasters don’t hit everyone the same way. Women and girls often face more challenges and risks during emergencies because of gender gaps2. For example, in disasters like Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar and the Indian Ocean Tsunami in Banda Aceh, most deaths were women2. This shows how disasters affect women and girls differently.
Women and girls of color in the U.S. often have less money, struggle to get healthcare, and have fewer job and education chances2. They are also more likely to rent than own their homes.
Pre-existing Structural Gender Disparities
When disasters happen, efforts to prepare and respond often overlook women and girls’ needs2. It’s crucial to have programs that focus on women’s needs and understand their cultures2. When women are involved in disaster planning, they help make families safer and find new ways to make money and stay healthy2.
Intersectionality and Vulnerability
Women and girls from marginalized groups face even more risks3. In Bangladesh, a 1991 cyclone showed a huge difference in death rates between women and men, 14:13. In Uganda’s Karamoja region, droughts led to more violence against women, like domestic abuse and child marriage3. It’s important to look at how disasters affect women differently to help them better2.
| Disaster | Female Fatality Rates |
|---|---|
| Cyclone Nargis, Myanmar | 61% |
| Indian Ocean Tsunami, Banda Aceh | 70% |
| Cyclone Gorky, Bangladesh | 91% |
“The Guidance Note provides action-oriented guidance to incorporate gender-responsive recovery and reconstruction across all sectors, aiming to reduce gender inequality and enhance resilience in disaster-affected communities.”
The 15-point Kathmandu Declaration in Nepal calls for gender-focused recovery after disasters3. Assessments after disasters show that they make things worse for women, like increasing violence and inequality32.
Caregiving Responsibilities and Evacuation Challenges
Women often face special challenges during disasters because they do more caregiving4. They are 28% more likely to leave their homes during hurricanes4. And they are 57% more likely to leave during disasters4. But, they have to take care of kids, elderly, and disabled family members, which makes leaving hard5. In fact, 72% of those caring for others during disasters are women4.
Women also worry more about emergencies, with 39% feeling this way4. They react differently to natural disasters, like showing more stress in some situations4. And they are 63% more likely to feel emotional during these times4.
The VA Caregiver Support Program and the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers are working on a toolkit for caregivers6. This toolkit helps caregivers get ready for disasters, manage their health, and find resources6. It tells caregivers to have emergency supplies, important papers, and backup plans for when the main caregiver gets sick6.
It’s important to help women during disasters by understanding their unique challenges. By doing this, we can make disaster response and recovery fairer for everyone.
Heightened Risk of Violence Against Women and Girls
Disasters and crises often hit women and girls hard, making them more likely to face violence7. After disasters, cases of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking go up7. This happens because of stress, mental health problems, substance abuse, and when law and support services fail7.
The numbers are scary7. Studies show disasters lead to more violence against women and girls, with some types of violence going up a lot7. For example, in Bangladesh’s 1991 cyclone, 90% of the 140,000 deaths were women7. After the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, IPV in rural areas went up by 40%7. And after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, reports of rape spread widely7.
Intimate Partner Violence
Disasters can make things worse in relationships, leading to more IPV7. Money worries, mental health issues, and more substance abuse are factors that increase this violence7.
Sexual Violence in Crowded Shelters
After disasters, many people end up in crowded shelters or temporary housing7. This can make tensions rise and lead to aggressive acts, including sexual violence, in these close quarters7. In war zones and refugee camps, sexual violence is often used to control people8.
Violence against women and girls in crises can cause serious harm, like physical injuries, mental health problems, and even death7. With fewer health and emergency services after disasters, survivors may not get the help they need on time, making things worse7.
It’s important to understand and tackle the increased risk of violence against women and girls in disasters and emergencies798.
Cultural and Clothing Barriers
In some cultures, women and girls wear modest clothes that make it hard to escape danger during disasters. Their clothes can get in the way, like during a tsunami or when a building falls10. Also, they might not be allowed to learn survival skills, like swimming or climbing trees, because of their culture10. This means they’re not prepared to take care of themselves in emergencies11.
In low-income countries, women face extra challenges during disasters because of poor facilities and lack of clean supplies10. They struggle to keep clean during their periods, which can make them more vulnerable to health problems10.
We need to tackle these cultural and clothing barriers to keep women and girls safe during disasters11. By understanding their unique challenges, we can create solutions that help them protect themselves and their communities12.
“The Sendai Framework for Action recognizes the critical role of women in managing disaster risk12. Disasters present an opportunity to challenge gender disparities and foster resilience in women, who are active agents in disaster situations, playing crucial roles in caretaking, communicating risks, organizing communal activities, and building partnerships12.”
Working towards a fair and strong disaster response means tackling the cultural and clothing barriers that stop women from surviving11. By giving women and girls the knowledge and tools they need, we can make sure everyone is safe during tough times12.
“women’s safety in disaster and emergency situations”
Lack of Survival Skills Training
Women and girls often face more danger during disasters because they don’t get survival skills training. An Oxfam survey found that in the 2004 tsunami, four times as many women died than men in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and India13. This was because men learned to swim and climb trees young, but women didn’t get these skills13.
Gender inequality makes women and girls more vulnerable in disasters13. Teaching women and girls how to survive could greatly improve their safety13. Making disaster plans that include everyone’s needs can help everyone stay safe13.
Training women in disaster preparedness helps everyone, no matter their gender13. This approach is key to making sure everyone can protect themselves in emergencies13. It’s not just about safety; it’s also about equality and building stronger communities13.
Recovery Challenges for Women and Girls
After disasters, women and girls face big hurdles in getting the help they need to recover14. These issues make the gender gaps and vulnerabilities worse, making it hard for them to rebuild their lives and communities.
Access to Relief Supplies and Resources
Women and girls often spend a lot of time and effort to get the basics for their families14. They wait in long lines for aid, travel far for water, and cook under tough conditions14. This leaves them with little time for school, work, or other important tasks14. Also, after disasters, men usually get most of the rebuilding jobs, leaving women out of key decisions15.
To fix this, we need to focus on helping women get the aid and a say in recovery16. We should make sure women get the things they need, like sanitary products and clothes16. Getting women involved in disaster planning helps make recovery efforts fairer and more inclusive.
“Between 2005 and 2015, approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide were affected by disasters, leading to $1.4 trillion in damages and 7 million deaths.”14
By tackling the special challenges women and girls face after disasters, we can make communities stronger and more supportive for everyone.
Disproportionate Death Rates and Contributing Factors
Research shows a sad truth: women often die more in disasters than men. For example, 61% of those killed in Myanmar after Cyclone Nargis in 2008 were women. Similarly, 70% of deaths in Banda Aceh after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami were women. And in Bangladesh, Cyclone Gorky in 1991 took the lives of 91% women17. But, not all disasters show this trend. After Hurricane Katrina, the death rates for men and women were almost the same, thanks to better economic and social equality17.
Women face many barriers that make them more vulnerable in disasters. They often can’t get to the information and resources they need, like early warnings and safe places to stay18. They also work in jobs like caregiving, which puts them at higher risk18.
Fixing gender inequality is key to making communities stronger against disasters. Recovery efforts can help improve women’s lives and their place in society18. By taking specific steps before, during, and after disasters, we can lessen the effects on women. It’s also vital to study and learn what works best for different groups18.
The disaster risk reduction community says we must tackle gender inequality to build resilience17. Governments should spend at least 5% of their disaster budgets on gender equality efforts. This is crucial because gender inequality can block progress and worsen disaster effects if ignored17.
Delayed Reporting of Sexual Violence
After disasters, there’s often a delay in reporting sexual violence19. This happens for many reasons, like victims focusing on recovery first. They also might not have access to support services like health clinics or rape counseling20.
After a disaster, police and ambulances might not be able to respond quickly to sexual violence cases19. This means fewer perpetrators might be caught or punished. Groups like women, people of color, and the elderly are more at risk of sexual violence19.
| Barrier to Reporting Sexual Violence | Impact |
|---|---|
| Lack of basic resources (safe housing, transportation, information access, supportive networks, police protection, healthcare) | Increased vulnerability to sexual violence for disadvantaged communities19 |
| Crowded living conditions and sharing space with strangers | Higher risk of sexual victimization19 |
| Hospitals and police stations overwhelmed with disaster response | Inability to report sexual violence incidents20 |
Victims might not report sexual violence right away during disasters. They might be too busy surviving. Hospitals and police stations might be too busy to take reports1920. We should expect delays in reporting sexual violence during and after disasters.
To help, advocacy groups should make plans for responding to sexual violence during disasters. They should make sure victims can get help, even if they’re from different places19. Working together, we can provide the support needed to prevent sexual violence during and after disasters19.
Maternal and Reproductive Health Needs
Pregnant women and nursing mothers face special challenges in disasters21. These challenges need focused attention and care21. Women make up more than 75% of those displaced by disasters21. They also face higher risks of reproductive health issues, like miscarriages and premature deliveries21.
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers
22 Pregnant women should keep a 3-day supply of food and water ready22. Aim for a 2-week water supply if you can22. It’s smart to store important family documents like medical records in a waterproof bag22.
22 If you’re in labor during a disaster, get medical help right away22. Tell shelter staff you’re in labor22. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and other diseases is key for pregnant women and their babies22. Breastfeeding is the safest way to feed babies during disasters22.
Family Planning Services
Family planning services are vital for those affected by disasters21. Women and girls face higher risks of violence and exploitation during these times21. Funding for family planning and birthing support can help meet these urgent needs22.
“Maternal and reproductive health needs should be a priority in disaster response and recovery efforts to ensure the well-being of women, children, and families.” – Humanitarian Aid Worker
Conclusion
Disasters often hit women and girls harder because of gender inequalities and societal norms. But, these tough times can also lead to progress. Now, governments and groups see the value in getting everyone involved, especially women and girls, in making communities safer23.
Some programs have given power to women’s groups and got kids and teens ready for disasters. They’ve also put women in new roles like cleaning up and rebuilding, which is changing how we see gender23. By putting women and girls at the heart of disaster prevention, we can lessen their burden and make emergency responses fairer for everyone24.
Looking ahead, I’m hopeful about the focus on women leading in emergencies and building strong, inclusive communities2423. This new approach means everyone gets to be safe, well, and involved in making communities stronger. It’s about building communities that can face and bounce back from tough times together.
FAQ
What are the key gender-based challenges women and girls face in disaster and emergency situations?
The UNFPA says that women and girls face big challenges in disasters because of gender inequality. They are at higher risk of pregnancy-related deaths and sexual violence. They also lack access to reproductive health services and have more caregiving duties, making it hard for them to leave danger.
How does intersectionality influence the vulnerability of women and girls in disasters?
Women and girls of color in the U.S. face more poverty, less healthcare and education, and are often renters. This makes them more at risk during disasters.
What are the key challenges women and girls face during evacuation and in emergency shelters?
Women often can’t leave because they have to care for kids, the elderly, and those with disabilities. In shelters, they face threats like intimate partner violence and sexual assault. They also lack privacy and security.
How do cultural norms and clothing affect the safety of women and girls in disaster situations?
In some places, modest dress and cultural rules stop women and girls from escaping danger or learning survival skills like swimming. This puts them at higher risk during disasters.
Why are women and girls disproportionately affected by disaster-related deaths?
Women often die more than men in disasters because they don’t have access to survival skills. But, when everyone has equal economic and social rights, death rates between men and women are closer.
What are the specific maternal and reproductive health needs of women affected by disasters?
Pregnant and nursing moms need access to reproductive health services like family planning in emergencies. After Typhoon Haiyan, over 230,000 pregnant women were affected, showing how crucial these services are.
How can including women and girls in disaster risk reduction efforts help build community resilience?
Programs that empower women’s groups and involve kids and youth in getting ready for disasters work well. Using women in roles like debris removal also helps. By putting women and girls at the center of disaster planning, we can lessen their risks and make emergency management fairer and more inclusive.
Source Links
- https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/latinamerica/women-girls-gender-based-violence-aftermath-disasters-haiti – Women’s and girls’ vulnerability to gender-based violence in the aftermath of disasters
- https://disasterphilanthropy.org/resources/women-and-girls-in-disasters/ – Women and Girls in Disasters – Center for Disaster Philanthropy
- https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/publication/gender-equality-disaster-recovery.PDF – PDF
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6313390/ – The Role of Gender in Preparedness and Response Behaviors towards Flood Risk in Serbia
- https://zonta.org/images/docs/OurCauses/ZontaSaysNOW/ZontaSaysNOWWhyAreWomenAndGirlsMoreVulnerableToTheImpactsOfDisasters.pdf – PDF
- https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Emergency_Preparedness.asp – VA.gov | Veterans Affairs
- https://gh.bmj.com/content/6/4/e004377 – Natural hazards, disasters and violence against women and girls: a global mixed-methods systematic review
- https://data.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/documents/Publications/2023/disasters-vaw-pacific.pdf – PDF
- https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/humanitarian-action/facts-and-figures – Facts and figures: Humanitarian action
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10888390/ – Barriers to Women’s Menstrual Hygiene Practices during Recurrent Disasters and Displacement: A Qualitative Study
- https://modmr.portal.gov.bd/sites/default/files/files/modmr.portal.gov.bd/publications/f211f075_8c55_4867_b1b3_cc24e03c8e31/Journal publication EER4-14004224.pdf – PDF
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-018-3204-4 – Women’s empowerment following disaster: a longitudinal study of social change – Natural Hazards
- https://www.preventionweb.net/blog/protecting-women-and-girls-violence-disasters – Protecting women and girls from violence in disasters
- https://nnedv.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/First-2017-Intimate-partner-violence-and-disasters_-A-framework-for-empo….pdf – Intimate Partner Violence and Disasters
- https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/women-disasters-october-supplemental-research-bulletin.pdf – Supplemental Research Bulletin – Women and Disasters – February 2020
- https://www.humanitariancoalition.ca/women-and-disaster-relief – Women and Disaster Relief
- https://www.undp.org/blog/women-are-hit-hardest-disasters-so-why-are-responses-too-often-gender-blind – Women are hit hardest in disasters, so why are responses too often gender-blind?
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/disasterriskmanagement/publication/gender-dynamics-of-disaster-risk-and-resilience – Gender Dynamics of Disaster Risk and Resilience
- https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/Factsheet_sv-in-disasters.pdf – Sexual Violence in Disasters Fact Sheet
- https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/Publications_NSVRC_Factsheet_Sexual-violence-in-disasters.pdf – PDF
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3100103/ – Maternal Health Considerations During Disaster Relief
- https://www.cdc.gov/reproductive-health/emergency-preparation-response/safety-messages.html – Safety Messages for Pregnant, Postpartum, and Breastfeeding People During Natural Disasters and Severe Weather
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-022-05663-7 – How do women face the emergency following a disaster? A PRISMA 2020 systematic review – Natural Hazards
- https://knowledge.aidr.org.au/resources/ajem-january-2022-understanding-the-experiences-of-women-in-disasters-lessons-for-emergency-management-planning/ – AJEM January 2022 – Understanding the experiences of women in disasters: lessons for emergency management planning | Australian Disaster Resilience Knowledge Hub
