Gender inequality in post disaster reconstruction: Does it prevail?

Dramatic increases in the occurrence of natural disasters and their immense impact on physical and social aspects of communities raised the attention of many for innovative solutions. Although disasters cease many opportunities and lives, the lives of survivors do not cease in the disaster affected areas. Even though many governments and other national and international institutions heavily involve in post disaster reconstruction, the success of those intitiative remains in doubt due to lack of community involvement. It has been highlighted that involvement of communities could not only provide more effective solutions but also develop resilient communities to cope up with challenges during future disaster events.There are many challenges that men and women face within post disaster reconstruction. However, due to internal and external vulnerabilities and incapabilities women tend to face many challenges during post disaster phase. Further, although disaster management efforts are designed to benefit both men and women, in real practice a larger share of benefits and resources goes to men and women continue to remain marginalised. Many organisations have recognised the need to enhance women?s position. Earlier study has found that post disaster reconstruction could provide opportunities not only to develop affected areas but also to further enhance their capacities. Therefore, post disaster reconstruction could be used as an opportunity to address women?s challenges and enhance their state within the communities. Although studies have highlighted the existence of gender disparity within post disaster reconstruction, they barely identify relevant empirical evidence. Hence, this study aims to examine whether gender inequality prevails within post disaster reconstruction. This study has been based on a theoretical as well as practical ideas obtained through a comprehensive literature review and interviews carried out among experts within the practice in Sri Lanka