Gender

Disasters impact women and men differently. The ways in which people cope, the ease with which they can access aid, their involvement in planning relief projects, and so on, will be different for women and men.

Gender does not simply mean male or female. Gender refers to the different roles, and identities, women and men have in society. To achieve equality, it is important to understand, and address the inequalities that arise from the different roles of women and men, the unequal power relations between them, and the way in which these affect people's lives.

Gender equality in emergency situations

It is often women who are the most vulnerable in emergency situations. Women are more likely to be subjected to violence when they are displaced than they would normally be. The number of households headed by women increases dramatically in emergencies. This changes women’s roles, and increases their responsibilities and workload.

Understanding the different ways in which men and women are affected by disaster is essential for planning and delivering effective relief. Looking at the situation with this gender persepective also involves identifying opportunities to minimise gender inequalities between men and women.

Actively involving women

At Oxfam, we aim to actively involve women in the design and targeting of our humanitarian activities. We encourage women to participate in community meetings and decision-making processes during a disaster. We try to ensure that women have direct access to relief and have equal control of assets, such as relief food or shelter materials. And we try to address gender equality in longer term recovery work following disaster.

Oxfam in action: equal pay and equal rights for women saltpan workers in India

Different needs

Issues of dignity, particularly for women and girls, are important in emergency situations and as soon as is practically possible we implement culturally appropriate strategies to meet these needs.

Following the earthquake which struck northern Pakistan in October 2005, Oxfam staff quickly assembled screens in front of tents so women could be sheltered from the gaze of strangers. Sanitation units were also constructed where women could gather for water; bathing, and washing their clothes in privacy.

Other things we do in emergencies

Disaster risk reduction
Water and sanitation
Health promotion
Food security and nutrition
Protection