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Gender and Development in Post-disaster Reconstruction: Indian Experience

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Disaster Studies

Part of the book series: Disaster Studies and Management ((DSDM))

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Abstract

Between 1994 and 2013 nearly 68,000 lives were lost and 218 million people were affected worldwide due to natural disasters. The worst impacts were due to earthquakes, floods, and cyclones (CRED 2015). Major reconstruction programs were undertaken following these disasters. Depending on several factors, the objective of post-disaster reconstruction may vary from restoration of the status quo ante to dramatic developmental transformation of the affected areas. Post-disaster reconstruction is expected to “present opportunities for new and more progressive gender roles and relationships to emerge, provide opportunities to rebuild in a way that is inclusive of women and girls, provide opportunities for women to assume leadership roles, and better influence the direction of development patterns” (UNISDR 2015a). This article examines the challenges in realizing these normative goals, based on the Indian experience. It also considers how gender studies have influenced disaster-related policies. In addition, the paper attempts to identify knowledge gaps and reflect on the way forward for theory and practice.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chanakyaduri, India

    V. Thiruppugazh

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  1. V. Thiruppugazh
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Correspondence to V. Thiruppugazh .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Jamsetji Tata School of Disaster Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

    Janki Andharia

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Thiruppugazh, V. (2020). Gender and Development in Post-disaster Reconstruction: Indian Experience. In: Andharia, J. (eds) Disaster Studies. Disaster Studies and Management. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9339-7_11

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-32-9339-7_11

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Singapore

  • Print ISBN: 978-981-32-9338-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-32-9339-7

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