ABSTRACT

This chapter provides an analysis of the Sendai Framework for action; the central policy document in the global field of Disaster risk reduction (DRR). It identifies two conceptual logics in the Framework that prevent full incorporation of a gender perspective. Firstly, relief logic assumes a temporality of acuteness and prescribes male-dominated professional domains as experts. Secondly, a techno-managerial logic proposes technical and managerial solutions to problems of disaster risk. DRR is a global field of policy planning and practice that involves systematic efforts to analyse and reduce the causal factors of disasters. A gender, age, disability and cultural perspective should be integrated in all policies and practices, and women and youth leadership should be promoted”. A gender perspective needs to move beyond a mere focus on the number of women in DRR decision-making positions. A gender perspective highlights how gender roles are produced through social institutions that shape norms of behaviour, as well as access to rights and power.