Why Disasters Are a Gender Issue

Citation:

Von Kotze, Astrid. 1996. “Why Disasters Are a Gender Issue.” Agenda: Empowering Women for Gender Equity, no. 29, 22–26.

Author: Astrid Von Kotze

Annotation:

Summary:

"Disasters are catastrophic situations in which the normal patterns of life have been disrupted and a household or community is not able to deal with it using its own resources. While seasonal flooding and droughts may not be preventable, the disasters caused by the impact of flooding or drought are often avoidable. This in brief outlines some of the pressures on various elements at risk from environmental hazards. It describes a few of the coping mechanisms employed by women, and gives some examples of how these survival strategies may put further strain on the natural habitat. Finally, it suggests that disaster management programmes need to consider gender if they want to reduce the risks to disasters" (Kotze 1996, p. 22).

Topics: Environment, Environmental Disasters, Gender

Year: 1996

© 2023 CONSORTIUM ON GENDER, SECURITY & HUMAN RIGHTSLEGAL STATEMENT All photographs used on this site, and any materials posted on it, are the property of their respective owners, and are used by permission. Photographs: The images used on the site may not be downloaded, used, or reproduced in any way without the permission of the owner of the image. Materials: Visitors to the site are welcome to peruse the materials posted for their own research or for educational purposes. These materials, whether the property of the Consortium or of another, may only be reproduced with the permission of the owner of the material. This website contains copyrighted materials. The Consortium believes that any use of copyrighted material on this site is both permissive and in accordance with the Fair Use doctrine of 17 U.S.C. § 107. If, however, you believe that your intellectual property rights have been violated, please contact the Consortium at info@genderandsecurity.org.