The Gender Perspective in the Management of the Tajogaite Volcano Eruption in La Palma (Spain, 2021)

Previous research on gender and disasters shows that the incorporation of a gender perspective in disaster risk management and/or reduction is very limited, despite the evidence that these phenomena have a differentiated impact on men and women. The aim of this communication is to analyse whether both the public administration and third sector organisations have adopted a gender perspective in the management of the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano in La Palma (Spain, 2021). To this end we carried out, within the framework of the GENDER-IN project (Gender and disaster risk management: Comparative analysis and recommendations for intervention, PID2021-126195NB-I00), 41 interviews with technical staff, decision-makers, and socio-community activists who were involved in the eruption. The findings of this study revealed that gender issues were not taken into account in a mainstream way throughout the process of managing the disaster. The lack of formal gender intervention procedures meant that the gender response was only partially implemented through specific projects or actions in specific areas.

Furthermore, it has been observed that the population affected by the eruption played a crucial role in the management of the disaster, particularly through their involvement as volunteers or as socio-community activists. Those affected by the event were engaged in a range of activities, many of which were in line with traditional gender roles. It is therefore noteworthy that women played an active role in all phases of the disaster, despite their limited participation and/or influence in the decision-making processes related to the disaster. The results of this study provide suggestions for gender risk management and post-disaster recovery strategies.