Exploring gender-inclusive approaches in Turkish disaster risk management: insights from decision-makers, service providers, and NGOs

ABSTRACT

This study aims to reveal the experiences and views regarding gender sensitivity of service providers, decision-makers, and non-governmental organization (NGO) workers who operate during disasters. The study uses a phenomenological model – a qualitative approach. Data are collected by two trained interviewers using a semi-structured interview form. In-depth interviews are conducted with 52 individuals from four provinces in different regions of Türkiye. Then, the data are analysed using MAXQDA20, a qualitative analysis programme. The results show that a substantial proportion of the participants does not use gender-sensitive language or terminology. Women are defined by their domestic roles and motherhood, with reference to religious sources. Furthermore, in the context of the disaster risk management process, participants intensely report their views and experiences regarding the practical needs of women, such as hygiene, privacy, and access to information. However, the strategic needs of women, such as women’s empowerment, gender-based data collection, and combating violence against women, are only mentioned by a few participants, especially NGO workers. Finally, most participants do not receive gender training. Those who receive it mention their experiences with vulnerable groups, violence against women, and other reproductive health issues.

KEYWORDS:

• Disaster risk reduction
• disaster risk management
• gender sensitivity
• response
• mainstreaming

Acknowledgments

The researchers are thankful to Tugrul Erbaydar for supporting the data analysis as an external researcher and to the interviewers Nergis Denli and Burcu Hatipoglu, who also supported the analysis process. The researchers would also like to thank all the participants who dedicated their time and effort to this study and the Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency for financially supporting the research and their efforts to facilitate the data collection process. Finally, we thank the journal reviewers for their critical comments and contributions to this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency under Grant [UDAP-Ç-1702].

Notes on contributors

Edip Kaya

Edip Kaya is an assistant professor at the Department of Public Health, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University in Turkey. His research areas include disaster risk reduction, mental health, vulnerability groups, and gender studies. His work contributes to understanding and addressing public health challenges, particularly in the context of disasters and vulnerable populations.

Ebru Inal Onal

Ebru Inal Onal is Assistant Professor in Emergency Aid and Disaster Management at Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University. Her research areas include disaster management and public health. She has many studies, including scale studies in general disaster preparedness, examination of formal education in terms of disaster education adequacy, determination of willingness to work in disasters, and the impact of disasters on the resilience process including various groups. She especially carries out studies on the reflection and effects of gender dynamics in disasters.

Nüket Paksoy Erbaydar

Nüket Paksoy Erbaydar is a professor at Department of Public Health, Hacettepe University in Türkiye. Her extensive research covers various aspects of public health, with a particular focus on gender, gender equality, women’s health, and reproductive health. Her works provide valuable insights into the intersection of gender and health, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities for promoting health equity in Türkiye.