Gender differences linked to culture and disaster responses

Differences in gender roles may further affect how citizens respond in a disaster situation, as some cultures may restrict interaction between women and men, and this can create difficulties in providing effective responses to disasters: “The women’s role in emergencies. Some groups don’t accept women doctors, or doctors cannot touch women. The gender barrier is very strong in some communities” (G3; R8 - see source document for full reference).

Cultural Factors: Gender roles

Hazards: Natural hazards, Man-made non-intentional hazards or emergency situations, Man-made intentional hazards

Disaster Phases: Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: National civil protection body, Local authorities, Red Cross, NGOs, Military, Law enforcement agencies, Healthcare and emergency services

Recommendations:

• Develop guidelines for disaster practitioners that take into consideration the different needs of and approaches to different ethnical groups
• Develop risk assessments methodologies, which consider cultural factors, the manner in which people cognitively process information and which employ a gender perspective