Towards an Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction Management Process

Abstract

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) has pointed out that gender inequalities constrain the control of women and girls over important decisions that affect their lives and restrain their access to vital resources. Existing cultural beliefs and traditional gender norms limit the capacity and authority of women to decide on their own and contribute to society. Women could utilize their skills, enhance their potentials and contribute to the DRRM process, but traditional gender norms hinder them from doing so. Ascribing to these traditional gender norms that incapacitate women is just one of the many reasons why a gender perspective must be incorporated in disaster risk reduction efforts and in post-disaster revitalization processes. A gender perspective will not only debunk traditional gender norms that are harmful to the development of women and the whole community, but more importantly, it will also recognize the different vulnerabilities and capacities of men and women, thus allowing for a more gender equal environment. This recognition will also help communities address these vulnerabilities and further strengthen their capacities to fully prepare for disasters and enhance the post-disaster revitalization process.