10.3 Gender and vulnerable populations in disaster contexts

Disasters hit different groups unequally. Women, kids, elderly, and disabled folks face unique risks and challenges. From violence to health issues, these groups need special attention in disaster planning and response.

Gender roles shape how people experience disasters. Men may take more risks, while women often bear caregiving burdens. Inclusive strategies that address diverse needs are key to effective disaster management and recovery for all.

Vulnerabilities of Diverse Populations in Disasters

Risks Faced by Women

Top images from around the web for Risks Faced by Women

• 

  Frontiers | Supporting Female Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Experiencing Homelessness ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Major Issues Related to Women Health, Social, Cultural and Economic Development View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Document - Gender Based Violence (GBV) Referral Pathways View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Supporting Female Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Experiencing Homelessness ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Major Issues Related to Women Health, Social, Cultural and Economic Development View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Risks Faced by Women

• 

  Frontiers | Supporting Female Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Experiencing Homelessness ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Major Issues Related to Women Health, Social, Cultural and Economic Development View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Document - Gender Based Violence (GBV) Referral Pathways View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Frontiers | Supporting Female Survivors of Gender-Based Violence Experiencing Homelessness ... View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Major Issues Related to Women Health, Social, Cultural and Economic Development View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Women often face increased risks of gender-based violence (domestic violence, sexual assault), sexual exploitation, and reproductive health issues (limited access to maternal care, contraception) in disaster contexts due to the breakdown of social norms and protection systems
• Women often bear a disproportionate burden of caregiving responsibilities for children, elderly, and disabled family members during disasters, which can limit their ability to seek employment, education, and other opportunities for recovery

Challenges for Children, Elderly, and Disabled Individuals

• Children are more susceptible to physical injuries, malnutrition, and psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety) during disasters because of their developmental stage and dependence on adults for care and protection
• Elderly individuals may have limited mobility, chronic health conditions (diabetes, heart disease), and sensory impairments (hearing loss, vision impairment) that make them more vulnerable to the impacts of disasters and hinder their ability to access emergency services and resources
• Disabled individuals often face barriers to accessing information, transportation, and emergency services during disasters due to physical, sensory, or cognitive limitations, as well as the lack of inclusive planning and accommodations (accessible shelters, sign language interpreters) in disaster management
• Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants have specific nutritional, health, and hygiene needs (prenatal vitamins, clean water, diapers) that may be difficult to meet in disaster settings due to the disruption of healthcare services and supply chains

Gender's Role in Disaster Experiences

Gender Roles and Expectations

• Gender roles and expectations can influence the division of labor, decision-making power, and access to resources within households and communities, which can impact individuals' vulnerability and resilience to disasters
• Men may face pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms of strength, self-reliance, and risk-taking in disaster contexts, which can lead to higher rates of injury, death, and psychological distress (substance abuse, suicide)

Gender-Based Violence and Discrimination

• Gender-based violence, including domestic violence and sexual assault, often increases in the aftermath of disasters due to the breakdown of social norms, the lack of security and protection, and the stress of displacement and loss
• Women's participation and leadership in disaster management and recovery efforts can be limited by gender discrimination, cultural norms (patriarchal attitudes, traditional gender roles), and the lack of gender-responsive policies and programs

Inclusive Disaster Management Strategies

Assessing Vulnerabilities and Capacities

• Conduct vulnerability and capacity assessments that identify the specific needs, risks, and strengths of different gender and age groups, as well as disabled and marginalized populations (ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals), in disaster-prone areas
• Engage vulnerable populations in the design, implementation, and evaluation of disaster management plans and programs to ensure that their perspectives and priorities are incorporated

Targeted Interventions and Services

• Provide targeted interventions and services for vulnerable populations, such as women-friendly spaces (counseling, legal aid), child-friendly spaces (play areas, educational activities), accessible shelters and facilities (ramps, braille signage), and mobile health clinics (vaccinations, mental health support), to address their specific needs and reduce their exposure to risks
• Train disaster management personnel and volunteers on gender-sensitive and inclusive approaches to emergency response, recovery, and reconstruction, including the prevention and response to gender-based violence

Equitable Resource Allocation

• Allocate resources and funding equitably to support the recovery and resilience of vulnerable populations, including access to livelihoods (vocational training, microfinance), education (temporary learning spaces, school feeding programs), healthcare (mobile clinics, psychosocial support), and social protection services (cash transfers, food assistance)

Effectiveness of Policies for Vulnerable Populations

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assess the extent to which disaster management policies and programs incorporate gender analysis, age-disaggregated data, and the participation of vulnerable populations in their design and implementation
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of disaster management interventions on the health, safety, and well-being of women, children, elderly, and disabled individuals, using both quantitative (mortality rates, school enrollment) and qualitative (focus group discussions, storytelling) indicators

Identifying Gaps and Challenges

• Identify gaps and challenges in the protection and inclusion of vulnerable populations in disaster management, such as the lack of accessible infrastructure (accessible toilets, evacuation routes), the limited capacity of service providers (trained healthcare workers, sign language interpreters), and the persistence of discriminatory attitudes and practices (gender stereotypes, ableism)
• Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned in inclusive disaster management, including case studies of successful interventions and innovations that have improved the resilience and recovery of vulnerable populations (community-based early warning systems, women's self-help groups)

Advocacy and Policy Reform

• Advocate for policy and institutional reforms that prioritize the needs and rights of vulnerable populations in disaster management, such as the adoption of gender-responsive budgeting (allocating funds for women's empowerment programs), the establishment of accountability mechanisms (complaints procedures, ombudspersons), and the strengthening of social protection systems (universal health coverage, disability pensions)