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.
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