The Asian tsunami shocked the world, devastating the lives of millions within the region. The aftermath of the tsunami generated an unprecedented relief response to address both immediate relief needs and long-term reconstruction efforts. Yet, the economic and social impacts of this tragic natural disaster cannot be forgotten. In the aftermath, a window of opportunity lies open for the inclusion and implementation of effective and targeted responses in rebuilding the lives of the most vulnerable members of society. Women have a crucial role to play in this phase, being key to recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The United Nations theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, 8 March 2005 is “Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a more secure future” focuses on security, development, disaster and human rights. In light of recent natural disasters in the region, a gender-based approach is urgent to effectively help communities in the post-disaster period, and to assist in rebuilding and rehabilitating affected regions and communities.

Women’s increased vulnerability due to their lower socio-economic standing, especially in terms of limited access to necessary resources is often drastically highlighted in a post-disaster situation. Women lack influence due to gender inequality and disempowerment, and usually have less decision-making power and control over their lives. Relief resource distribution often reflects the patriarchal structure of society where women may not have a voice in reconstruction planning and are marginalized in their access to relief resources. In addition, women are traditionally the primary caregivers, raising children, and looking after the elderly and the disabled. Post-disaster, they are often left caring for sick and injured family members, and are less able to mobilize resources for rehabilitation. They are over-represented among the unemployed, which is exasperated following the loss of livelihoods due to disaster. Also, the aftermath math of disasters can push women into the labour force against their best interests.

Women are frequently subjected to domestic and sexual violence and often do not have access to women aid workers in the field to express their gender specific needs and concerns. Fears and reports of rape and sexual violence in some relief camps, highlight the often lack of women’s safety and their security amid the chaos and livelihood shock caused by disaster and conflict. Deficiencies in safety and security hinder women’s mobility, directly impacting food and health security of family members. Damaged health care facilities lead to a loss of basic delivery services and supplies for pregnant women in affected areas. Also, women often look after their family members before addressing their own food and health needs.

Human trafficking and abduction may also increase in post-disaster and conflict circumstances. Disaster attracts traffickers to prey upon survivors who find themselves weakened by shock, loss of loved ones, and loss of livelihood. The death of a husband can thrust a widow into becoming the primary income producer. Such stress can put women at risk of trafficking, debt bondage, prostitution and other exploitative situations as they scramble to take care of the needs of their family and those in their guard.

The window is open now for policy-makers to be aware of gender concerns, ensuring that women’s needs are reflected in policies, practices and resources through all phases of relief, rehabilitation and development. Women need to be empowered by being involved in decision making for relief and long-term reconstruction efforts by recruiting them for assessments and ensuring their full representation in community groups and meetings. Women’s reproductive health needs must be quickly addressed immediately after any natural disaster. Women play and invaluable role in rebuilding affected communities on all levels in the affected communities, and they must be empowered and strongly represented in community efforts for short and long-term recovery and reintegration. -UNESCAP