A Gender Response to the High Cost of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) In Selected Asia and the Pacific Countries

Asia and the Pacific is one of the most disaster prone areas in the world. Every year, volcanos, earthquakes, floods and other natural hazards have caused thousands of deaths, hundreds of injuries, and billions of dollars in economic losses each year. Many billions of dollars in humanitarian assistance, emergency loans, and development aid are expended annually. In recent years, there has also been an increased awareness that effective disaster risk reduction needs to be addressed within the wider context of sustainable development. However, efforts to reduce the risks of natural hazards in Asia and the Pacific region, still does not prioritize the need to mainstream gender into Disaster Risk Reduction. This research therefore, aims to make transparent, qualitative analysis on why it is economically critical to prioritize and address the needs of women and men, girls and boys, to be integrated into Disaster Risk Reduction in selected Asia and the Pacific countries.