Women, Disaster and Challenges: A Case Study from Iran

During the past decades, Iran’s natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts and floods have caused a considerable loss of human lives and livelihoods, environmental damages and the destruction of economic and social infrastructure. Although 49.6% of Iranian population are female but gender analysis has been ignored in the most national reports and surveys related to different aspects of disaster management. This study aimed to highlight the challenges of women before, during and after natural disasters and to investigate the capacity of Iranian women to reduce the consequences of natural hazards. Data collection was done by the interview with affected women of Varzaghan and Bushehr earthquake (2013, 2012), field observation, and review of related documents as well. The findings indicated that although the investigated women were affected more than men but their needs and problems were not identified sufficiently. On the other hand, women vulnerabilities were highlighted more than their capacities and capabilities in handling the disasters. In conclusion, it is important to consider women participation in all phases of disaster management (mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery). Gender analysis with localized/standardized analytical tools can be suggested for future studies.