Philippine E-Journals

GENDER AND DISASTER: IMPACTS AND ADAPTATION OF WOMEN AFTER TYPHOON PABLO IN BAGANGA, DAVAO ORIENTAL

Imee S Maynawang | Erna S Macusi | Edison D. Macusi

Discipline: geography, earth and environmental studies

 

Abstract:

Women in the fisheries sector tend to be more vulnerable to crises caused by disasters, climate change, and extreme events. The present study investigated the perceived impacts of disasters on the roles of women. It also assessed the adaptation strategies of women to recover from the impacts of extreme events such as super typhoon Pablo. To do that, we gathered data through focus group discussions (FGD) in four fishing communities in Baganga, Davao Oriental, and used key informant interview (KII) for validation. About 10-15 women respondents (e.g., fishers' wives, fishers, vendors, financers, traders, and gleaners) participated during the four focus groups (N=51) and six key informants from different government agencies. During the discussions, women identified storms, heavy rains, and typhoons as common natural hazards experienced by coastal communities. The findings revealed that women were affected by disasters over the past ten years. Women were more vulnerable during disasters because of additional roles to play, e.g. they were forced to engage in manual labor, vegetable and crop farming, which are usually maledominated jobs. These livelihood strategies affect their domestic roles. Moreover, most women were not members of community organizations where usual government donations and projects are coursed through. Even if women change have to join community organizations, their participation is limited because they are not given the opportunity to lead. This study revealed that women suffer from disasters (e.g. super typhoon Pablo) and need help in their adaptation strategies to be resilient to disaster impacts.