Gender & Inclusion

Gender determines what is expected, allowed and valued in a person within a specific context. It determines opportunities, responsibilities and resources, as well as powers associated with a specific biological gender. These attributes and powers are socially constructed and learnt through a socialization process. It is important to understand that gender constructs are context/ and time-specific and changeable. Gender is not only about women, although since women and girls tend to be at a disadvantaged position, the promotion of gender equality often involves the empowerment of girls and women.

People experience hazards, crisis and humanitarian assistance differently depending on their gender and their social position within society. More women than men die as a cause of natural disasters (for example tsunamis or heat waves) but are also differently affected during recovery. After a disaster, women are more likely to become victims of domestic and sexual violence. Since they are often more involved in cooking and carrying water, the availability of natural resources in the aftermath of a disaster, as well as the stability of the climate, will directly influence the daily lives of women and girls. Moreover, disasters and crisis often cause increased burdens from taking care of the sick and wounded, which is considered a female responsibility in many societies.

It is important to:

• Analyze the nexus between gender, environment, resilience and development to create a nuanced understanding of the ways different groups are 1) affected by emergencies and 2) use natural resources to get an understanding of who decides, acts and benefits
• Recognize that women are powerful agents of change, whose full participation is critical in emergency response and environmental management
• Develop a gender strategy which examines the linkages between gender roles and natural resources, disaster risk and environmental change