Facing Disasters, Making Decisions: the gender dimensions of disaster management was produced by Practical Action South Asia (formerly ITDG) to highlight the importance of gender issues in disaster management and to raise awareness amongst those engaged in relief and rebuilding.

The tsunami of 26 December 2004 struck Sri Lanka with a force that was both unprecedented and unexpected. It did not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, religion or socio-economic status. But, as with most disasters, its impact on different sections of society was different - adding to the complexity of disaster relief and management. If the difference is not recognised and acted upon, relief and rehabilitation measures are not likely to equitable or effective.

Further information

• Video launch - more about this video
• Book - Gender Dimensions in Disaster Management by Madhavi Malalgoda Ariyabandu and Maithree Wickremasinghe
• Workshop 2004
• Award - recognition for Practical Action South Asia's work in gender and disaster mitigation
• Practical Answers - technical information on disaster mitigation and reconstruction

Practical Action project work

• Tsunami - Practical Action's projects rebuilding after the 2004 tsunami
• Mainstreaming livelihood-centred approaches to disaster management
• Disaster-resistant sustainable livelihoods