Gender and climate change: Implications for responding to the needs of those affected by natural disasters and other severeweather events

Abstract

This brief paper is a practice based paper and discusses the experience of social workers in the Department of Human Services (DHS) who have worked with people affected by natural disasters and other severe weather events. Over the past 10 years Australia has experienced a range of these events and DHS social workers have been involved in developing innovative responses to meet the needs of affected individuals, families and communities. The paper highlights the way in which responses are tailored to take account of gender differences in help seeking behaviours. It also briefly discusses the conscious decision making around gender balance in the teams who provide assistance to affected people including responses to offshore events affecting Australians.