Two Solitudes, Many Bridges, Big Tent: Women’s Leadership in Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction

Citation:

Enarson, Elaine. 2013. “Two Solitudes, Many Bridges, Big Tent: Women’s Leadership in Climate and Disaster Risk Reduction.” In Research, Action and Policy: Addressing the Gendered Impacts of Climate Change, edited by Margaret Alston and Kerri Whittenbury. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands.

Author: Elaine Enarson

Abstract:

Despite commonalities in the theoretical, policy, and practical domains of climate and disaster work, unnecessary divisions persist. The chapter posits that gender analysis, too, overlooks important synergies and replicates the unhelpful ‘two solitudes’ approach. The discussion then turns to identifying positive models and concrete steps for bridging these gaps. Given the integral relationship on the ground between gender, climate and disaster, a ‘big tent’ approach is urged to reflect the concerns, resources, and expertise of gender, climate, and disaster actors equally. Neither disaster risk reduction nor climate adaptation is women’s work alone, but the historic organizing of women for social justice positions them as leaders toward community resilience.

Keywords: disaster, gender relations, climate change, environmental challenges, women's leadership

Topics: Environment, Climate Change, Environmental Disasters, Gender, Women, Gender Analysis, Justice

Year: 2013