Disaster Events and Role Transitions: Narratives of Filipino Rural Women after Typhoon Haiyan

Abstract

Disasters open up opportunities for women’s participation and engagement beyond the traditional gender roles. It draws attention toward empowering contributions (for example, financial, decision making, and community participation) and the transformation of gender roles. As a case in point, women’s capacity to take on the role as partners in community building is highlighted in disaster recovery efforts. Through these shifts in traditional gender roles, women are rendered visible in comparison with past experiences of invisibility and marginalization. This chapter expands beyond women’s vulnerabilities and marginalized status to explore the experiences of low-income, rural women in a disaster context. Braun and Clarke’s thematic framework highlights narratives of women’s struggles to survive and rebuild. Revealed is the stark reality of women burdened by caregiving yet embracing new roles to help with family and community recovery. Women’s active role and engagement in disaster recovery reflect the UN’s agenda for Sustainable Development specifically to achieve gender equality. Toward this end, women must be recognized for their active involvement and contribution to community building. Their capabilities and strengths in disaster and post-disaster contexts need to be harnessed to reinforce and maintain shifts in gender roles.