Gender mainstreaming: A lasting solution to disaster risk reduction.

Jestina Chineka,Edmore Kori,Hector Chikoore,Agnes Musyoki

doi:10.4102/jamba.v11i3.723

Jestina Chineka, Edmore Kori + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v11i3.723

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Abstract

Disasters threaten resources as well as displace millions of people globally. It is undisputable that disasters have gender dimensions. However, most African countries are still lagging behind as far as the holistic integration of gender mainstreaming into national policies, particularly on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The purpose of this article was to unpack the consequence of overlooking gender in DRR, thereby highlighting its importance. The study followed a comparative study design, by using two case studies of Mumbwa District in Zambia and Chivi District in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives were to examine the disaster risks in both Mumbwa and Chivi districts, analyse the DRR strategies used in both districts and highlight the critical success factors derived from gender mainstreaming in DRR in these cases. Findings showed that gender mainstreaming is not only an important tool in DRR but also a sustainable development initiative. Despite challenges faced by countries in DRR, gender mainstreaming should always be considered as their first line of action in DRR.

Highlights

Disaster risks threaten economies and livelihoods in many African countries
Recent researches by ISDR (2004), Joseph-Brown and Tuiloma-Sua (2012) and Turnbull, Sterrett and Hilliboe (2013) show that women are affected by disasters more than men, and women can play a crucial role in disaster management if they are integrated into Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plans
The aim of this study was to highlight gender mainstreaming as an imperative and holistic, cost-effective and long-term solution to DRR using two cases from Zambia and Zimbabwe. This aim is addressed by the following objectives: 1. to examine the disaster risks in both Mumbwa and Chivi districts 2. to analyse the DRR strategies used in both districts 3. to highlight the critical success factors derived from gender mainstreaming in DRR in these cases

Summary

Introduction

Disaster risks threaten economies and livelihoods in many African countries. According to the International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (ISDR 2004), Africa is the only continent with an increasing disaster trend in the past decade. Recent researches by ISDR (2004), Joseph-Brown and Tuiloma-Sua (2012) and Turnbull, Sterrett and Hilliboe (2013) show that women are affected by disasters more than men, and women can play a crucial role in disaster management if they are integrated into Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plans. International frameworks such as the Hyogo Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction (2005–2015) place gender issues at the centre of disaster management. The major research question behind this article is: How critical is gender mainstreaming in DRR programmes?

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