In the aftermath of the tsunami, International Women’s Day (March 8^th) 2005 takes the theme inAsia, “Rebuilding Women’s Lives in the Aftermath of Disaster”.

There is no gender breakdown of the victims of the tsunami; it devastated the lives of millions of people inAsia, regardless of sex, age, colour or income. But its longer-term effects hit women particularly hard.

ILO research shows that disasters tend to sharpen existing equalities. The chaos and disorder that follows such catastrophes leaves women and girls vulnerable to violence and sexual abuse.  Poor socio-economic standing means they may not be able to get the relief aid and resources they need or voice their needs when decisions are made about their future. The death or injury of a male breadwinner forces them to accept dual roles, as the family income earner as well as the main carer for children, the elderly and the sick. At the same time a lack of skills and work experience puts women and girls at especial risk of trafficking, prostitution, debt bondage, and other kinds of exploitation. 

Yet, given the chance women have a crucial role to play in post-tsunami rebuilding. They can drive recovery, not just of physical infrastructure but of families and communities.  So, for tsunami recovery programmes to be really effective they must acknowledge the particular needs of women and build on their strengths. 

Diary note

An expert panel discussion, looking at the ways in which women have been affected by the tsunami, their particular vulnerabilities, the relief measures required to meet these needs as well as women’s unique role in post-disaster rebuilding, will take place at the UN Conference Centre, Bangkok on Tuesday March 8^th from 9.30-11.30am. An exhibition on the same theme will also be staged.

Journalists interested in either event can contact Khun Thawadi at the UN Information Service on 02 288 1861-9, pachariyangkun.unescap@un.org.