ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses the gendered vulnerabilities that emerge in disasters and post-disasters. It is critical that social workers do not ignore the gendered vulnerabilities that arise in disaster situations and act to ensure the safety of women and girls. The chapter explains the notion of gender as a critical factor shaping vulnerability before, during and after disasters. It shows that women are far more likely to die in disasters; evidence from Black Saturday and other fires suggests that men are more likely to perish in fires. Women’s vulnerability results from highly entrenched and normalised social practices and structural inequalities. A strong community response, with sensitivity to the needs of others can assist in disaster response. Attention to gender in disaster policies and actions is critical to achieving gender equality. Policies, programs and practices that are introduced to address disasters or to undertake the processes of reconstruction are almost universally what Elaine Enarson refers to as ‘stubbornly gender-blind’.
