Disasters do discriminate. Natural and man-made disasters have
severe effects on all involved. However, unique and significant impacts
affect predominantly women in the disaster zone.
Recent
history shows that females are more likely to become casualties in many
types of disaster scenarios than males. For many regions of the globe,
females are less likely to receive medical, hygienic or psychological
aid when they need it. They also fall victim to domestic and violent
abuse more often than males do.
Both official and rogue military
units frequently abuse women, particularly those of different ethnic
groups, as a psychological tactic against their perceived enemies.
Sexual violence is also a significant problem in refugee camps, where
many women and children are forced to live in close proximity to
strangers after they are evacuated from a disaster area.
The
dangerous and vulnerable condition of women in these areas isn't without
recognition. Various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other
groups have developed grants, initiatives and other projects
specifically to assist women impacted by natural disasters.
The
World Health Organisation (WHO) also recognises the unique needs of
female disaster victims. The WHO's Department of Gender, Women and
Health researches and assesses the impact that natural disasters have on
women. Unfortunately the opportunity to study the effects of natural
disasters has increased in frequency and severity in recent years. Three
recent examples include, Hurricane Sandy in the Caribbean and the
United States in 2012, the Japanese Tsunami 2011, Flooding in China,
Laos and Thailand 2011. Due to the widespread impact zones of these
types of disasters alone collectively resulted in over 10 million people
requiring relocation, medical assistance, housing and food until
normality could be restored.
Despite the efforts by educational
institutions, government agencies and non-profit organisations, there is
still a need for more information regarding the impact that disasters
have on women. Experts studying the relationship between gender and
natural disasters frequently echo the need for more research,
particularly for data that is separated by sex.
In many third
world countries women are marginalised from the outset; restricted to
child rearing and household duties. In the West, women are demonstrating
their capacity to contribute insightful and valuable perspectives on
all manner of professions. Emergency management is perhaps, a field in
which women are underrepresented and initiatives should be set in place
to build more effective emergency organisations with a broad base that
reflects the diversity of the country it represents and its future.
Actively recruiting women for roles in emergency management is essential.
Currently based in Melbourne, Australia, Russell Boon is an
emergency management specialist with 25 years of national and
international experience consulting to government, corporate and
industrial sectors. Russell is General Manager of CAPACITY Building
Emergency Management and also continues to interact with clients as
Senior Emergency Management Consultant.