ABSTRACT
Disasters impact women differently, and their responses towards disasters are distinct as well. Over some time, with growing of gendered consciousness, the necessity for shifting towards locating the politics of difference in situations of conflict has been felt. Hydrological hazards and waterborne disasters too are situations of conflict. In this context, this chapter attempts to locate the differential impact of hydrological and waterborne disasters that women bear. The key argument of the chapter emphasises on the need to have a gender-based approach to understanding water conflicts and vulnerabilities. The chapter highlights the urgent need of gender mainstreaming into disaster risk reduction processes and points out the grim reality at ground level vis-à-vis the ambitious discussions in academics and policy documents. The chapter underscores the need for capacity building and inclusion of women in every phase of disaster risk reduction.
