The need of objective risk assessments that take in to consideration all group of the population

Risk assessments, in the aftermath of a disaster, should extend to all citizens equally. However, at worst, “risk assessments and subsequent decisions are often influenced by powerful stakeholders and should not be considered to be objective assessments that equally take into account risk to all populations”. Women and other vulnerable populations can lose out under these circumstances.

Note: See source document for full reference.

Cultural Factors: Power relations, Gender roles, Social exclusion

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

Disaster Phases: Prevention, Recovery

Types of Actors Concerned: Non-active citizens

Recommendations:

• Develop risk assessments methodologies, which consider cultural factors, the manner in which people cognitively process information and which employ a gender perspective