As Hurricane Beryl battered Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in July 2024, community members sought refuge at the Ashton community center, which residents dubbed 'Final Destination' in a nod to a popular film. Among them was 61-year-old Tedica Alexander, who, with her nine grandchildren, helped support those in need as the storm unleashed its fury. Rather than heading to the closer Clifton school, Alexander was redirected to Ashton for safety. The shelter quickly filled as the storm approached, shattering windows and flooding the space. 'If it had lasted one more minute, the door would have given way,' she recalled, her voice trembling with the memory. Her grandchildren stood at the entrance, battling wind and rain to help others in. At one point, overwhelmed, she leaned against a pillar, tears streaming down her face while her six-year-old granddaughter comforted her. This comprehensive guide covers danger after disaster: why emergencies come with increased risks for women in detail.
Understanding Danger After Disaster: Why Emergencies Come With Increased Risks For Women
In total, 47 children and 147 adults found shelter at the community center, including individuals with disabilities. 'Everyone was praying,' Alexander said, reflecting on the solidarity that emerged despite the chaos. As the storm subsided, Alexander took on the role of caretaker, managing the shelter and cooking for those in need alongside other residents. For many women like Alexander, this caretaker role is common in disaster scenarios, but it often heightens their own vulnerabilities. Originally reported by The Guardian.
Gendered Impact of Disasters
Research from UN Women highlights the increased risks faced by women and girls during and after emergencies. The organization reported that pre-existing social and cultural expectations, which often place caregiving responsibilities on women, exacerbate their vulnerabilities in disaster situations. 'Evidence of women's increased vulnerability [due to] the pre-existing social and cultural demands on women and girls as primary caregivers with the imbalanced responsibilities for care of elderly people, children and the sick,' the report stated. This dynamic can lead to higher rates of mortality among women and girls in disaster contexts.
Concerns Over Gender-Based Violence
Emergency shelters, while providing immediate refuge, do not guarantee safety from gender-based violence. A systematic review published in BMJ Global Health in 2021 found that post-disaster environments often heighten risks for women and girls. Inadequate shelter conditions, such as a lack of doors, walls, and locks, have been linked to increased violence in countries like Haiti, Japan, and Nepal. The review pointed to failures in law enforcement that allowed violence to proliferate in emergency settings. Addressing these issues is critical to ensuring the safety of women and girls in shelters.
Efforts to Improve Shelter Standards
Organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are actively working to mitigate the challenges faced by women and girls in emergency shelters. According to Loyce Pace, the Americas regional director, these organizations provide guidelines and resources to support agencies responding to disasters. This includes advocating for government involvement and ensuring shelters meet the specific needs of women and children. 'In emergencies in general, we find that women and children are particularly vulnerable,' Pace noted, emphasizing the need for constant training of volunteers managing these shelters.
While strides have been made in the Caribbean to improve conditions for women and girls in emergency shelters, challenges remain. Aarone Sargent, managing director of the Disaster Risk Management Authority in the Bahamas, affirmed that efforts are ongoing to establish safe and comfortable shelter conditions. Safety is managed by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in collaboration with government social services, but the availability and adequacy of shelters continue to be pressing concerns.
As communities prepare for future disasters, embedding gender equality and addressing the specific needs of women and girls in emergency planning will be essential. Initiatives like the UN development programme's focus on gender-responsive disaster recovery highlight the importance of sustained regional support and knowledge-sharing. Only through concerted efforts can the vulnerabilities faced by women in disaster situations be effectively addressed, ensuring that they are not left behind when communities need them most.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.