Disaster, gender, and space: Spatial vulnerability in post-disaster shelters

Abstract

Many studies have shown that women and other marginalized groups are extra vulnerable during disasters and in the aftermath. These groups experience discrimination in access to resources and are more exposed to sexual harassment and violence. Accepting the premise that space shapes gender relations, this article examines how post-disaster space plays a part in the occurrence of gender-based violence. It discusses the literature on space and gender issues in the post-disaster phase, particularly the response phase and recovery phase. The study reviews literature broadly from 1990 to the present because of the limited literature on gender and space in a disaster context. This article argues that the disappearance of boundaries and the collapse of territoriality due to disaster contribute to the occurrence of gender-based violence and the construction of fear among marginalized groups. This article incorporates the concept of defensible space and gendered space to propose a gender-sensitive space in post-disaster shelters. It concludes that emergency and rehabilitation shelters mustconsider privacy and define the territory for each family. Furthermore, these sheltersshould allow for community surveillance to be arranged in order to enhance the sense of security for all community members.