The Importance of Gender-Based Standard Operating Procedures for Disaster Management in East Java

Abstrak

Disaster management addresses gender inequality by mitigating adverse
effects on women. Involving women in disaster risk reduction is crucial, but
their participation is often insufficient, leading to inadequate attention to
their specific needs. In Indonesia, where women make up over half the
population, their involvement in disaster management is essential. This
study explores women’s disaster risk mitigation strategies and emphasizes
gender-responsive disaster management approaches. Following the 2021
Mount Semeru eruption, research in East Java revealed gender-sensitive
disaster management deficiencies. Traditional methods often fail to support
women and children who are particularly vulnerable. The study highlights
the importance of education, training, and gender-sensitive disaster
management policies. Using a phenomenological approach, the study
conducted direct observations, in-depth interviews, and focus groups. It
identified 24 significant obstacles in gender-based disaster management,
such as inadequate casualty statistics and the lack of gender-specific
infrastructure in refugee camps. The research underscores the need for
gender-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) to safeguard women
and children's well-being during and after disasters. Enhancing education
and capacity-building in vulnerable villages is also crucial for effective
disaster mitigation. To improve disaster resilience, it is essential to integrate
women into the disaster management framework, acknowledging their
specific needs and harnessing their capabilities.