In alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the inclusion of women in decision-making processes for climate action is not just a matter of equity but also an essential element for the effective implementation of climate-resilient strategies
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of gender equality and women's inclusion in various fields, including disaster response. Women make up half of the world's population, and their active participation in disaster management and response efforts is crucial. However, pre-existing gender inequalities mean that disasters affect women, girls, and other gender minorities in different ways than they affect boys and men. Additionally, the vulnerability of women increases when they are in a lower socioeconomic group. This vulnerability impacts preparedness, evacuation, response, the number of deaths, and recovery. We must note that the aftermath of disasters reveals how societal inequalities transform certain groups into the most vulnerable. According to a report by UNDP, women and children are 14 times more likely to die during disasters.
Following the 1999 Supercyclone in Odisha, it was found that many women did not know the amount of compensation they were entitled to. In one instance, the elder son of a woman took control of the land and compensation meant for her. While she is engaged in a civil suit to recover what is hers, she continues to survive on a meagre pension of INR 500 a month.
Not only are women disproportionately affected by disasters, but they are also excluded from decision-making roles in disaster response and risk reduction plans. Due to this disproportionate effect of climate change on women, addressing their needs and taking their insights into the matter is of utmost importance.
The Disproportionate Impact of Disasters on Women
There are several reasons why this gap in the impact of climate change exists between men and women. Women, in general, have limited access to opportunities and higher exposure to risks, making them more vulnerable in the wake of natural disasters. For example, more women are taking on roles in agriculture due to male outmigration. However, women own only 14 of agricultural land, leading to increased workloads and limited access to resources. Compensation packages for climate-related losses in agriculture often benefit male landowners, with no gender-specific data available to assess the impact on women. Furthermore, restrictive social norms such as the burden of caregiving, fetching water, and lack of avenues in decision-making at a local level compromise women’s self-rescue abilities. Research on the 2004 tsunami reveals that lack of access to swimming and tree-climbing skills, restrictive dress codes, and social norms limiting their mobility and decision-making during emergencies can impede women's safety and access to crucial information in times of crisis.
Why is there a need for women's inclusion in disaster response?
Women in leadership roles during disaster response bring diverse perspectives, addressing the unique needs of vulnerable communities. A study by the University of Liverpool concluded that outcomes related to COVID-19, including the number of cases and deaths, were systematically better in countries led by women. Their presence enhances community engagement and promotes inclusive decision-making for effective solutions. For instance, during the devastating floods in Uttarakhand, India, in 2013, which took the lives of more than 5000 people, women played a significant role in disaster response and management. Mamta Rawat, a 24-year-old woman, helped rescue hundreds of people from the 2013 floods in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand, despite losing her own home in the disaster.
Bijal Brahmbhatt, Executive Director of India's Mahila Housing Trust, showcases how women leaders can drive inclusive disaster management. Recognising gender disparities, she integrated climate change adaptation into disaster programmes. This initiative empowered over 30,000 families and fostered 1,650 female community leaders.
Besides taking initiative at a personal level, women in decision-making roles display foresight in protecting themselves against future contingencies and pave the way for other women to lead. For example, women in a migrant fishing community in Odisha have created a resilience fund to shield themselves from disasters in the aftermath of Cyclone Fani. Uma Prajapati, a garment business owner, brought hope and livelihoods to the 2004 tsunami-affected women by creating Tsunamika dolls. She taught them to make dolls from garment waste, fostering laughter, community, and a means of livelihood. Tsunamika became a 'gift economy,' gifting dolls with donations. Over 15 years, six million dolls reached 80 countries, earning awards and UNESCO recognition.
Strategies to include women in decision-making for climate action.
In alignment with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), the inclusion of women in decision-making processes for climate action is not just a matter of equity but also an essential element for the effective implementation of climate-resilient strategies.
The first step is a thorough gender analysis to identify potential barriers hindering women's participation in climate action and disaster response. A UN Women's study found that just six Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka) collect and use sex, age, and disability-disaggregated data (SADDD) to monitor the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. SADDD, along with qualitative data, is essential for precise disaster response. Sri Lanka sets an example by recording SADDD in the national database and assisting in creating community vulnerability profiles.
Practical strategies must be proposed to integrate women into DRR planning at all levels, from local communities to regional and national governance structures. This includes ensuring women's representation in decision-making bodies, task forces, and committees focused on climate resilience.
Empowering women through education and capacity-building initiatives is paramount. Equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand climate risks and adaptation measures is pivotal. Moreover, gender mainstreaming should be ingrained in all climate policies and projects, with explicit recognition of women's contributions and vulnerabilities.
Clear definitions of women's roles in national and international climate policies must be established. This ensures that women are not just passive recipients of climate-related initiatives but active participants and decision-makers.
Women leaders have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness in disaster management across South Asia. Bhutan's Health Minister, Dechen Wangmo, responded proactively to the COVID-19 pandemic with early screening, enhanced testing, and mandatory quarantine, resulting in zero COVID-19 deaths. In Kolkata, India, Ward Councillor Sana Ahmed's preparedness plan navigated the challenges of the Amphan cyclone and floods alongside the pandemic. Other women sarpanches in India ensured essential supplies by engaging communities in mask and sanitary napkin production. Sarpanch Vijanandbhai leveraged technology to distribute government cash transfers to daily wage labourers under the MNREGA and Jan Dhan schemes of the Government of India.
These women leaders exemplify proactive, adaptable, and community-focused disaster management, enhancing resilience and response efforts. They exemplify how, with the right strategies and effective implementation, numerous women can take on varied leadership roles and create more equitable and inclusive disaster reduction and response plans.
Across the world, women demonstrate their role in affecting more comprehensive and sustainable outcomes in climate action and DRR. They harness diverse perspectives, local knowledge, and resilience capacities that are often overlooked and establish resilient pathways to ensure that climate adaptation is an inclusive process.
(Naghma Mulla is the CEO of EdelGive Foundation.)