GGCA Gender and Climate Change Training Manual - Women's ...

• In refugee camps that arise as a result of natural disasters and conflicts
over scarce resources, women and the girl child refugees are exposed
to higher risks compared to male refugees. Social strains in such
situations aggravate stress levels in the family, which may result in
incidences of domestic violence.
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• A study in Uganda shows how male and female-headed households
fare differently in resettlement situations. Women agreed “it was
a much harder job for them due to lack of tools and men”. The
impact of resettlement on health, supplying basic necessities such
as water and childcare, was much worse for the female-headed
households (Katwikirize, 2002).
Box 6 Seven principles when including the gender perspective in
reconstruction and recovery: Work done in disaster situations is not
gender-neutral
1. Think big: gender equality and the principles of risk reduction must guide all
disaster mitigation aspects, responses to disasters and reconstruction. The window
of opportunity is quick to close.
2. Know the facts: gender analysis is not an option but it is imperative to direct help
and plan an equitable recovery.
3. Work with women in base organizations: in communities the women’s organizations
have information, knowledge, experiences, networks and resources that are vital to
increase resilience when faced with disasters.
4. Work with and build the capacities of existing women’s groups.
5. Resist stereotypes: base all initiatives on knowledge of the specific contexts
and differences of each culture, economic situation, as well as political and sexual
differences, and not on false generalizations.
6. Use a human rights approach: democratic and participatory initiatives are of more
help to women and girls. Both men and women have a right to the conditions they
need to enjoy their fundamental human rights, as well as simply to survive.
7. Respect and build women’s capacities. Avoid overburdening women who already
have a very heavy workload and many family responsibilities.
Source: Gender and Disasters Network, 2005.