Emerging research on women's empowerment in post disaster Reconstruction

Abstract

The seeming randomness of the occurrence of disaster, its impact and uniqueness of events demand dynamic, real-time, effective and efficient solutions from the field of disaster management and thus making this topic necessary. Although disaster management efforts are designed to benefit both men and women, in real practice a larger share of benefits and resources goes to men and women continue to remain marginalised. The lack of involvement of both men and women in disaster management has exposed them to more potential dangers. Recent studies have reflected the need for gender consideration in disaster management and emphasised its importance in building disaster resilient communities. Inclusion of women's contribution to the post disaster reconstruction is a major concern for policy makers and researchers in building disaster resilient communities. A mid-term review of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction in the Yokohama world conference on natural disaster reduction highlighted the need for community involvement and empowerment of women at all stages of disaster management programmes as an integral part of reducing community vulnerability to natural disasters. Women are less likely to migrate to different places during post disaster phase due to their domestic responsibilities and other cultural systems which lead them to more vulnerable positions. This indicates the need to include women's needs and contribution in post disaster reconstruction. The concept of empowerment can be illustrated as a social process in addressing the above since it occurs in relation to others and as an outcome it can be enhanced and evaluated against expected accomplishments. In this context, this study seeks to identify and investigate the emerging research need in the knowledge on women's empowerment in the post disaster reconstruction in Sri Lanka. The study has been based on a theoretical as well as practical ideas obtained through a comprehensive literature review. It is expected that the study will serve as a platform for researchers who are interested in building disaster resilient communities in Sri Lanka.