Paper Contents
Abstract
Disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, due to their limited access to resources, decision-making power, and physical capacity. This study examines the gendered aspects of disaster risk reduction and resilience in the area surrounding the Matina Pangi River in Davao City. The region's patriarchal system often excludes women and children from development planning and decision-making processes, resulting in their lack of representation in disaster preparedness activities. During a disaster, women and girls often carry the heaviest burden of unpaid care work. Women's triple roles, characterized by reproductive, productive, and community duties, further limit their active participation in community actions. The study utilizes a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, conducting key informant interviews with residents who experienced the 2011 Matina Pangi River System flood. Four case studies shed light on the lived experiences of individuals in the area and their perspectives on disaster preparedness and resilience. The findings highlight gender disparities in disaster preparedness training, with activities often tailored for men and youth. Despite being interested in participating, women face challenges due to conflicting schedules with work. The study recommends empowering vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, through targeted disaster preparedness training and capacity building. Policy-makers and local government units should prioritize weekend training sessions for greater participation. Ensuring proper representation and listening to the voices and suggestions of marginalized groups can lead to more effective disaster risk reduction strategies. By empowering and involving the most vulnerable populations, the study emphasizes the potential for preventing unnecessary deaths and fostering a more profound sense of democracy in disaster management.
Copyright
Copyright © 2023 Kirk Edja B. Accion. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
