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Introduction
The adoption of new, more advanced concepts in crisis management is critical. An example of such advanced thinking is “gender sensitivity,” which is a term that can be roughly defined as the acknowledging and understanding of gender-related concerns that typically result in inequality, exclusion, and discrimination (Budhathoki, Bhattachan, Pokharel, Bhadra, & Teijlingen, 2016). The present essay will consider the outcomes of incorporating gender sensitivity into disaster and humanitarian crises management based on the reasons for using it.
Furthermore, the paper will employ this information to demonstrate the ways in which professionals can show an improved awareness of gender sensitivity and its role in disaster and crises management. In general, due to the multiple positive outcomes of using gender-sensitive approaches in disasters and humanitarian crises, professionals need to use and promote the use of gender sensitivity.
Gender Sensitivity in Disaster or Humanitarian Crises
Gender sensitivity is incorporated into disaster management frameworks, for example, the Sendai Framework (United Nations, 2015), as well as professional codes of conduct, for example, that of the Australian Council for International Development (2017). The reasons for this decision are numerous, and they are connected to the outcomes of incorporating gender sensitivity in the management of disaster or humanitarian crises. Some of the reasons are related to the fact that disasters and crises tend to affect people differently, and the specific needs of various populations can make them more vulnerable.
For example, women (especially young girls) face increased risks of abuse and violence in a variety of humanitarian contexts (Noble, Ward, French, & Falb, 2017). Similarly, women and transgender populations are more likely to be subjected to issues like poverty and the lack of resources, education, and freedom, which also makes them more susceptible to the negative outcomes of crises and disasters (Alston, 2014; Mustafa et al., 2015; Wong, 2016). In fact, there is some evidence indicating that women have higher risks of dying as a result of a catastrophic climate event (Alston, 2014, p. 289). Thus, it is apparent that disaster management needs to be gender-sensitive to support more vulnerable populations.
Moreover, the biological needs of genders vary; for example, females of reproductive age require the materials meant for menstrual hygiene, which may be difficult to obtain in disaster or crises environments (Budhathoki et al., 2016). Budhathoki et al. (2016) point out that gender sensitivity is crucial for the management of such needs in a culturally appropriate and sustainable way. Thus, gender sensitivity can help the professionals who are engaged in disaster or humanitarian crises to identify the special needs of the affected populations, plan for their management, and successfully manage them.
Furthermore, depending on a specific culture, gender roles, and perceptions can vary in a way that can create barriers to effective disaster management (Mustafa et al., 2015; Wong, 2016). For instance, certain gender roles (like that of a stereotypical woman who is portrayed as a helpless victim rescued by men) can deprive people of agency and cause confusion (Mustafa et al., 2015). Such issues also need to be taken into account to improve the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts.
Another very important aspect of gender sensitivity is the empowerment of people of all genders (Australian Council for International Development, 2017). Wisner, Berger, and Gaillard (2016) highlight the fact that modern forms of gender sensitivity and other inclusive approaches to different groups in disaster management strive to emphasise the agency of the vulnerable populations. In other words, instead of viewing them as victims, professionals should acknowledge the fact that different groups affected by a crisis are stakeholders and can be meaningful contributors to recovery.
This aspect of gender sensitivity has multiple positive outcomes, including the advancement of gender equality, the empowerment of disempowered populations, and the promotion of recovery and resilience in affected communities (Wisner et al., 2016). Thus, the reasons for using gender sensitivity are mostly concerned with more effective humanitarian efforts, as well as more appropriate treatment of the populations in question.
Based on the above presented information, several pieces of advice can be offered regarding the way professionals can demonstrate the awareness of gender sensitivity and its role in disaster and crisis management. First, there is the obvious need to incorporate gender sensitivity in one’s work, for example, during the preparation and response when it is necessary to plan for gender-sensitive interventions and implement them. The analysis of humanitarian efforts for gender sensitivity can also become an important tool for evaluation (Robinson, 2015; Sohrabizadeh, Tourani, & Khankeh, 2014). By determining the extent to which gender sensitivity is acknowledged in an effort, a professional can demonstrate and improve their understanding of the concept and extract important lessons for future interventions.
A professional should also promote gender sensitivity. In particular, they can disseminate information about it and advocate for it (Mustafa et al., 2015). Moreover, a professional can and should push policy-makers to adopt a gender-sensitive perspective because the development of gender-sensitive policies is crucial for a resilient and disaster-prepared community (Alston, 2014; Mustafa et al., 2015; Robinson, 2015). Furthermore, professionals should engage in the development of the methods and tools meant for gender-sensitive disaster and crisis management, especially through research (Sohrabizadeh et al., 2014). All these activities will demonstrate improved gender sensitivity, help to promote it and result in the outcomes that are discussed above.
Conclusion
As the present investigation shows, gender sensitivity is important for disaster and crisis management because its application improves the effectiveness of related efforts. Indeed, gender issues are associated with increased vulnerability in specific populations; also, said populations could have particular needs or face special barriers. A humanitarian effort can only be effective if the needs, obstacles, and vulnerabilities are taken into account.
Moreover, an empowering approach to gender sensitivity promotes resilience and recovery within a community and can be associated with the advancement of gender equality. As a result, a professional engaged in disaster or crisis management needs to demonstrate the acknowledgement of the importance of gender sensitivity by adopting this position, advocating for it, and researching the means of using it to the benefit of the affected communities.
References
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