Original Research - Special Collection: Institutional Structures and Processes

Gender mainstreaming: A lasting solution to disaster risk reduction

Jestina Chineka, Agnes Musyoki, Edmore Kori, Hector Chikoore
Jàmbá: Journal of Disaster Risk Studies | Vol 11, No 3 | a723 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jamba.v11i3.723 | © 2019 Jestina Chineka, Agnes Musyoki, Edmore Kori & Hector Chikoore | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 10 July 2018 | Published: 04 July 2019

About the author(s)

Jestina Chineka, Department of Geography and Geo-Information Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
Agnes Musyoki, Department of Geography and Geo-Information Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
Edmore Kori, Department of Geography and Geo-Information Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
Hector Chikoore, Department of Geography and Geo-Information Science, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa

Abstract

Disasters threaten resources as well as displace millions of people globally. It is undisputable that disasters have gender dimensions. However, most African countries are still lagging behind as far as the holistic integration of gender mainstreaming into national policies, particularly on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). The purpose of this article was to unpack the consequence of overlooking gender in DRR, thereby highlighting its importance. The study followed a comparative study design, by using two case studies of Mumbwa District in Zambia and Chivi District in Zimbabwe. The specific objectives were to examine the disaster risks in both Mumbwa and Chivi districts, analyse the DRR strategies used in both districts and highlight the critical success factors derived from gender mainstreaming in DRR in these cases. Findings showed that gender mainstreaming is not only an important tool in DRR but also a sustainable development initiative. Despite challenges faced by countries in DRR, gender mainstreaming should always be considered as their first line of action in DRR.

Keywords

Disaster Risk Reduction; Gender Mainstreaming; Sustainable Development; Holistic Integration; Overlooking Gender; First Line of Action

Metrics

Total abstract views: 3024
Total article views: 3512

 

Crossref Citations

1. Women-led humanitarian architecture in disaster-prone environments: Learning from the Marielle Franco Community-Design Award
A. Nuno Martins, Liliane Hobeica, Adib Hobeica
International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction  vol: 59  first page: 102250  year: 2021  
doi: 10.1016/j.ijdrr.2021.102250