In the aftermath of the tsunami, International Women’s Day (March 8th) 2005 takes the theme in Asia, “Rebuilding Women’s Lives in the Aftermath of Disaster”. The United Nations theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, 8 March 2005, is “Gender Equality Beyond 2005: Building a more secure future”. It focuses on security, development, disaster and human rights. In light of recent natural disasters in the region, a gender-based approach is urgent to effectively help communities in the post-disaster period, and to assist in rebuilding and rehabilitating affected regions and communities. It is all the more crucial to take the role of women into account in this specific context, since we are currently celebrating the 10th anniversary of Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, which called for an increase of gender-sensitive policies at the political, economical, social and cultural levels, in order to improve women’s status and promote women’s empowerment worldwide.

The Tsunami waves hit all within its reach: men, women, girls and boys, nationals, migrant workers and tourists without distinction by age, sex, colour, or income. Though there are no official statistics which disaggregates the above by sex, however, anecdotal information suggests that more women than men; and younger children than older ones died by the tsunami and its aftermath. Further, experience worldwide has shown us that gender is a key dimension in any disaster and subsequent relief, rehabilitation and development action because disasters have different effects on different people

Recognising that tsunami has destroyed much employment, it is crucial to include women’s practical and strategic needs into overall rebuilding strategies. Poor socio-economic standing means they may not be able to get the relief aid and resources they need or voice their needs when decisions are made about their future. The death or injury of a male breadwinner forces them to accept dual roles, as the family income earner as well as the main carer for children, the elderly and the sick. At the same time a lack of skills and work experience puts women and girls at special risk of trafficking, prostitution, debt bondage, and other kinds of exploitation. And yet, as has been the case in many a response to crisis, this can also be an opportunity to empower women and break old stereotypes and negative gender-roles.

The response following the Tsunami testifies of the strength of people. Efforts must be made to ensure that women and men can participate equally in the reconstruction. This means looking at both the destruction and the recovery through a gender lens and taking appropriate policy and programme action following that.

This is easier if the voices of women can be heard. They know best what is needed to rebuild their lives.