In commemoration of the International Women’s Day 2005, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) and the interagency Thematic Working Group on Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (TWG-WEGE) hosted a joint event examining the role of women’s human rights in the context of natural disasters. This provided an opportunity to share women’s experiences in the face of natural disasters and strategies for the rebuilding women’s lives after such events.
The event under the theme “Rebuilding the Lives in the Aftermath of Disaster” consisted of a panel discussion regarding application of women’s human rights-based approach, such as Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), to activities related to post-disaster reconstruction.
The event also opened an exhibition conveying vivid images and stories about the vulnerability of women in disaster-affected areas and sectors with particular focus on tsunami affected areas in the UNESCAP region. The exhibition provided some clear examples of how United Nations agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) integrate women’s human rights and gender responsiveness into their post-disaster immediate relief efforts and long-term “rebuilding of lives”.

Key messages from the event:

• The particular vulnerability of women during natural disasters and in the aftermath of disasters through the phases of reconstruction
• Women have the right to personal security and to be free from violence
• The displacement followed by natural disasters makes women and girls more vulnerable to trafficking
• Without safe, secure and private housing, women are more vulnerable to sexual abuse and attack
• Women have a right to equally access food and other supplies. Where food is scarce, women may not have social or cultural status to adequately access food supplies
• Women have the right to equally access medical treatment, and obtain special medical treatment for their special attributes. Pregnant women and women who are breast-feeding require access to clean water and suitable medical supplies
• It is critical for women to participate in the processes of reconstruction and rebuilding communities
• Women have a right to equally participate in decision making processes that impact them and their communities
• Less women then men hold positions of leadership in communities, and are less likely to be included in reconstruction decision making
• Women have different needs that must be considered in the reconstruction process

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Making disaster relief work better for women and men

International Women’s Day Opinion/Editorial Article