Importance of female citizens for empowerment in disaster situations

The first identified factor is the importance of women in the local community. According to the IFAD (IFAD 2015b, for literature reference see original source document) women are more aware than men on issues related to the community where they live and have a greater agency for solving problems, more specifically if these problems can affect their family. This is particularly true in poor and marginalised areas. Therefore, empowerment processes can be more frequent and more effective with a large presence of active women. However (contrary to what can happen elsewhere), no specific attention is attributed to the presence of women in the 25 community practices considered (probably also because none of these practices is in a deep marginalized or poor area).

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Gender roles

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

Disaster Phases: All disaster phases, Preparedness, Prevention, Response, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Foster the adoption of a culture of disaster prevention and resilience by informing and motivating citizens to take action