Podcast Summary
Origins of the 14 times statistic on women's mortality in disasters: The widely cited statistic that women are 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters has unclear origins and context, highlighting the importance of fact-checking and understanding the background of statistics before sharing them.
The claim that women are 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters is a widely cited statistic, but its origin can be traced back to a 1997 academic article by Dr. Christina Peterson. The figure was discussed at a meeting in the mid-90s regarding the need for gender research and representation in emergency management. At the time, there was limited research on the relationship between gender and mortality in disasters. Since then, this statistic has been referenced in numerous reports, but its accuracy and context have become muddled over time. The 14 times multiplier is not always clear if it applies only to women or to women and children. The BBC's investigation illustrates the importance of verifying statistics and understanding their origins and context to avoid perpetuating potentially misleading information.
Gender and Disaster Data Collection: In the late 20th century, women and children were often overlooked in disaster response efforts due to lack of demographic data, leading to the push for a gender and disaster network to include age and gender statistics in research.
During disaster response efforts in the late 20th century, the needs of women and children were often overlooked due to a lack of consideration of age, ethnicities, and gender in data collection. This was observed in various parts of the Pacific Rim countries, Africa, and even in the United States, particularly for transgender and LBQJ people. These observations led to a concern about the impact of disasters on these vulnerable populations, but at the time, there was no solid data to support these claims since gender was not taken into account in data sets. This conversation sparked the push for a gender and disaster network to conduct research that would include statistics on demographics, such as age and gender, in disaster-related deaths and separations. Despite the passage of time, the figure of women and children being 14 times more at risk in disasters, which originated from these observations, continues to surface in media. However, it's important to note that this figure was not based on scientific data and should not be taken as fact.
Disaster mortality rates and gender: The relationship between disaster mortality, poverty, and gender is complex and varies greatly depending on the specific context of a disaster and the country in question. In developed countries, men are more likely to die due to high-risk professions, while in developing countries, lack of access to information, mobility, and cultural norms can contribute to higher mortality rates for women.
The statistic of women being 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters is a myth, and the real numbers and underlying causes vary greatly depending on the specific context of a disaster and the country in question. Alvina Erman, an economist for the World Bank, has spent years studying the relationship between disaster risk, poverty, and gender. Her research shows that in developed countries, men are more likely to die in disasters due to their over-representation in high-risk professions. However, in developing countries, factors such as lack of access to information on early warnings, mobility, and cultural norms can contribute to higher mortality rates for women. It's important to be cautious about sensationalized statistics and to recognize the complex and nuanced nature of disaster mortality rates. Instead, we should focus on systematic research and understanding the specific drivers of mortality in different contexts to inform effective prevention, mitigation, and response strategies.
Gender disparity in disaster mortality: The gender disparity in disaster mortality varies widely and is influenced by specific disasters, age groups, and contexts. Women account for around 1.5 to 2 times more deaths than men in recent disasters, but the difference can be much larger in certain cases.
While there is evidence suggesting women face a higher risk of death in natural disasters compared to men, the scale of this difference is not as large as the commonly cited figure of 14 times. The ratio varies widely depending on the specific disaster, age group, and context. For instance, in Cyclone Gorky in Bangladesh in 1991, the mortality rate for women aged 20 to 44 was almost five times higher than for men. However, more recent data from disasters like the Haiti earthquake and Hurricane Katrina show a smaller difference, with women accounting for around 1.5 to 2 times more deaths than men. It's important to note that even a small difference in mortality rates translates to a significant number of lives lost, and this issue warrants attention. The reasons for the gender disparity in disaster mortality are complex and multifaceted, and require further research to fully understand.
Gender and Disaster Risk Resilience: Women in low and middle-income countries face longer recovery periods after disasters due to their role as homemakers and lack of access to early warning systems, bank accounts, and mobile internet
Gender plays a significant role in disaster risk resilience. Women in low and middle-income countries are less likely to have access to early warning systems due to lower rates of smartphone and mobile internet usage. After disasters, women face longer recovery periods due to their role as homemakers and the sale of their assets to cope with the shock. Additionally, women are less likely to have bank accounts and hold their assets in tangible forms, making them more vulnerable to asset loss. These gender disparities can widen the gap between men and women in the aftermath of a disaster. For instance, during my visit to Dar es Salaam, I met a woman who shared her experiences of being repeatedly affected by flooding in her neighborhood. This encounter sparked my interest in the issue of gender dynamics of disaster risk resilience.
Natural disasters impact on families: Natural disasters can force families to endure separation and hardships, potentially leading to unintended consequences like new family members, emphasizing the importance of creating resilient communities and providing adequate support networks.
Natural disasters like heavy rainfall can force a family to endure separation and hardships. Alvina Erman, a woman from the discussion, shared her experience of having to leave her home with her two daughters during the rainy seasons due to flooding. However, since there was no one willing to accommodate the entire family, they were forced to split up. Tragically, during one of these separations, her daughter returned pregnant, resulting in a new grandchild. This situation underscores the devastating impact of natural disasters on families and communities, especially when they lack adequate support networks. It's essential to consider the long-term consequences of such events and work towards creating more resilient communities and providing better resources for those affected.