Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Disaster Risk Management

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding the challenges faced by women and the opportunities for their inclusion in Disaster Risk Management (DRM) by highlighting the valuable expertise of women in disaster situations and suggesting ways to incorporate this expertise into the strategies. We found a growing recognition of women in disaster-related research, suggesting a potential for incorporating their perspectives into policy frameworks. However, there exists a disconnect between gender-focused research and disaster management practices. The study identifies six interconnected challenges faced by women in DRM, including sociocultural factors, limited access to resources, gender inequality, and inadequate planning. We also identified promising opportunities for including women through active participation, resilience-building, and gender-sensitive strategies. There is a need to focus on their potential for contributing to DRM, along with considering women’s vulnerability. Involving women in all phases of disaster management can enhance community resilience, as well as empower women in various aspects of development. While there’s growing discussion on women in disaster management, future research should explore effective strategies for their inclusion in diverse socio-economic contexts.