Disasters—whether natural or human-induced—do not impact all members of society equally. Due to social structures, socio-economic disparities, and physical as well as psychological vulnerabilities, women and children are always among the most at-risk groups. Therefore, ensuring the protection of women and children has become a key objective of modern Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). Given Bangladesh’s geographical location and frequent exposure to cyclones, floods, storm surges, droughts, and river erosion, this issue carries even greater significance.
Why Are Women and Children More Vulnerable?
Physical Vulnerability:
Children, due to their age and physical limitations, have reduced capacity for quick evacuation, swimming, or self-protection. Women—especially those who are pregnant, elderly, or disabled—often face heightened physical risks.
Socio-cultural Constraints:
In many communities, women’s mobility, decision-making power, and access to information are restricted.
Economic Vulnerability:
Low-income and asset-poor female-headed households are disproportionately affected during disasters.
Risk of Violence:
Shelters or temporary camps may see increased risks of sexual harassment, trafficking, child exploitation, and domestic violence.
Pre-Disaster Protection Measures
Ensuring awareness, preparedness, and infrastructure readiness before a disaster strikes is the most essential step in protecting women and children.
a. Risk Assessment and Awareness
Hazard maps are created to identify which groups of women and children are at higher risk. Schools, community centres, and local clubs conduct disaster awareness sessions, ensuring that women know warning signals, shelter locations, safe zones, and emergency contacts. Children are taught safety drills in simple and age-appropriate ways.
b. Access to Information
Due to cultural barriers limiting women’s access to information, tailored audio-visual alerts, mobile messaging, and door-to-door communication through female volunteers are used.
c. Infrastructure Preparedness
Cyclone shelters must be designed to be women- and child-friendly. Separate toilets, safe drinking water, adequate lighting, wheelchair ramps, and special rooms for pregnant women and newborns significantly reduce disaster impacts.
d. Emergency Supplies and Health Preparedness
First-aid kits, baby food, water purification tablets, sanitary napkins, newborn supplies, medicines, and postpartum care items are stored in advance. Women-led emergency teams are trained to provide rapid support.
During-Disaster Protection Measures
Once a disaster begins, time is extremely limited. Ensuring rapid safety, food, water, and shelter becomes the main priority.
a. Safe Evacuation
Children are evacuated first upon receiving early warning signals. Women are guided through separate corridors and safe entry routes, and children move in hand-holding lines to prevent separation in chaos.
b. Safety and Dignity at Shelters
Upon reaching shelters, designated safe zones are created for women and children, equipped with:
- Separate toilets and bathing areas
- Night-time surveillance
- Female security personnel and volunteers
- Children’s play corners
- Adequate lighting
These measures help prevent sexual harassment, trafficking, child exploitation, and psychological trauma.
c. Food, Water, and Health Services
Age-appropriate meals, milk, and clean drinking water are provided for children. Women have separate distribution lines to prevent overcrowding. Pregnant women receive emergency medical care, delivery services, medication, and health kits. Menstrual hygiene supplies are also ensured.
d. Prevention of Violence and Exploitation
Community monitoring teams are deployed to prevent trafficking, harassment, or domestic violence. A dedicated Protection Desk is established for emergency complaints.
Post-Disaster Protection Measures
Risks do not end even after the disaster subsides. Long-term rehabilitation, health support, and psychological care are essential.
a. Psychosocial Support
Disasters often leave children mentally distressed. Trained counsellors conduct storytelling, drawing, and recreational activities. Women—who often suffer from loss, trauma, and violence—require tailored counseling sessions for emotional recovery.
b. Health Services and Immunization
To prevent disease outbreaks, children receive vaccinations, anti-diarrheal support, and nutritional food. Women are provided maternal healthcare, family planning services, and health check-ups.
c. Education Restoration and Safe Spaces
Child-friendly spaces are established in schools to help children return to learning. This reduces academic loss and lowers the risk of child labour.
d. Livelihood Support
Female-headed households receive microcredit, training, and financial assistance to rebuild livelihoods and regain stability.
e. Strengthening Long-Term Policies and Systems
Based on post-disaster assessments, plans are developed to further improve protection measures for women and children. Government and NGOs jointly formulate gender-sensitive disaster management policies.
Disaster resilience depends not only on strong infrastructure, shelters, or forecasting systems, but more importantly on how effectively vulnerable populations—particularly women and children—are protected. Strengthening preparedness, ensuring safety during disasters, and supporting long-term recovery are essential steps toward building a resilient, humane, and safer society.
