THE GENDER AND DISASTER RESILIENCE ALLIANCE

. . . building strong communities across the US. . .

In the US

As in other countries with fewer resources and freedoms, the everyday realities of millions of American women undermine our capacity to take and implement decisions that reduce the effects of hazards and potential disasters in our homes and neighborhoods, workplaces and communities. Development choices and power relationships here at home have put many women and girls at risk–but this can be changed.

Resilience

Women are not helpless victims, though we are often hard-hit by disasters. The gender-based division of labor gives girls and women different perspectives on what is at risk and what must be protected. We have shown our capacity and willingness to mitigate hazards and prepare for disaster when necessary. Shoulder to shoulder with the men and women in our lives, we are striving for more just, sustainable and disaster resilient communities. Vulnerabilities related to sex and gender are often more visible—but this can be changed.

An alliance

We seek common ground and collective action for change. Reducing the risk of disasters is not “women’s work” but demands women’s leadership along with men’s.  American women have a legacy of activism to build on, working for gender justice and racial justice,  for economic fairness and environmental stewardship, for the human rights of children and persons with disabilities, and toward peaceful conflict resolution. Gender and disaster mainstreaming work is not yet aligned with these allies—but this can be changed.

Core Goals of Work

Avoid or minimize the negative effects of hazards and disasters on women and their families in the United States through positive community action and women’s empowerment.

Engage men and men’s community-based organizations and networks in positive action toward gender equality as a platform for disaster resilience.

Build common ground among community actors, advocates, practitioners, academics and residents to address gender inequalities and other root causes of disaster risk.

Apply the hard-won lessons of our past to promote gender-responsive and community driven disaster risk management in the United States.