Gender Responsive and Child Sensitive Disaster Management in Pakistan

Abstract

Half of the world’s population, i.e. women, and one third population of world, i.e. children, are vulnerable in biological sense. Women and children become the most neglected segments of population during natural disasters. This conceptual paper provides an insight about the specific needs and problems of children and women before, during and after a disaster. Social vulnerabilities are more complex and critical to understand, which enhance the intensity of exploitation, vulnerability and risk for women and children. Considering special needs and provision of equal services are main concerns in rehabilitation. Primary emergencies always bring secondary emergencies if they are not properly managed and administered. Effects of disasters can be minimized by enhancing the coping capacities of vulnerable segments and by equipping them with all necessary preparedness and rescue skills and privileges.