EMERGENCIES affect women and girls differently from men and boys. In wartime, men are often primary casualties, while women in situations of armed conflicts, civil strife, or natural disasters often lose the capacity to sustain their family's livelihood. Increasing global instability manifested in political, religious and socio-economic scenarios, as well as natural disasters, periodically afflict various regions.
WOMEN ARE OFTEN more vulnerable because of lower socio-economic standing to men, in terms of access to necessary resources and ability to gainfully provide for their families. They lack influence due to inequality and disempowerment, and have less decision-making power and control over their lives.
VIOLENT CONFLICT IS A KEY OBSTACLE TO ACHIEVING THE MDGS
During 1990 - 2001 there were 57 major armed conflicts in 45 locations. Deaths from conflicts are hard to gauge, and estimates vary. As many as 3.6 million people were killed and many millions more injured. Sub-Saharan Africa has been hit the hardest, but no developing region has been unaffected. Civilians, not soldiers, are increasingly the victims - accounting for more than 90 percent of deaths and injuries. Children account for at least half of civilian casualties. Beyond these tragic direct effects, collapsing economies and infrastructure can take a further human toll.
Source: UNDP, 2003.
EFFECTS OF HURRICANE MITCH IN CENTRAL AMERICA
The devastating effects of Hurricane Mitch had a strongly gendered impact in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Rural women were found to be particularly vulnerable. These societies were characterized by high rates of female-headed households, mainly linked to civil and armed conflict in the region, with a consequent high male mortality and out-migration. The hurricane had a more severe impact in terms of men's death, increasing the proportion of femaleheaded households.
Source: FAO, 1999.
HOWEVER, WOMEN CARRY BIOLOGICAL, emotional and economic responsibilities associated with their roles of mother, wife, nurturer, provider, and community spokespersons or representatives. They are vital to maintaining the family unit, keeping ties with community structures, obtaining access to assistance and entitlements, and meeting basic family needs. Emergencies force men and women in particular to take on new roles and responsibilities to ensure the survival of their families. The disruption and displacement that often occurs in times of disasters may lead to changes in sexual behaviour and increased rate of sexual abuse on both men and women, which often leads to an increased infection rate of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
TO RESPOND TO THE RESULTING CHANGES in the external environment, it is essential to understand: (i) the specific roles and responsibilities of men and women in food security and agriculture; (ii) their main constraints and needs; and (iii) their ability to carry out activities in emergency situations and early rehabilitation. Relief aid may have bearings on the potential to earn incomes of women and men and implications on their participation in community activities and decision-making structures.
The identification of external factors such as requirements for the provision of skills development and training, necessary for achieving project activities (especially ensuring the continued involvement of men and women participants in the project) and benefits (specifically for women) is key to mainstreaming a gender perspective in emergency and rehabilitation programmes. Gender mainstreaming is the process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. Gender analysis addresses the issues of "whose needs" and "whose participation". It highlights the skills and capacities of men and women, identifies the division of labour within the household and reveals the constraints they face during periods of rapid change.
|
LEVELS |
CONDITIONS OF VULNERABILITY |
|
MODERATE |
Reduction in assets while preferred production/income are maintained. |
|
HIGH |
Depletion of assets while preferred production/income are disrupted. |
|
EXTREME |
Liquidation of means of production and abandonment of preferred production/income, physically and socially damaging coping strategies. |
Source: Frankenberger, 1992
STRATEGY PROPOSED FOR GENDER MAINSTREAMING AND WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT IN IRAQ
In 2003 FAO, under its Socio-Economic and Gender Analysis (SEAGA) Programme, prepared a strategy for participatory processes of context, livelihood and stakeholder analysis with the immediate objetive of assisting emergency specialists in planning and implementing gender-sensitive operations in Iraq. The main outputs foreseen included improved i) information systems from a gender perspective, ii) institutional capacity in terms of socioeconomic and gender analysis and planning capability, and iii) micro-projects for women's empowerment.
Source: FAO, 2003b.
