Background and Objectives

It is a well-accepted notion that women are more vulnerable during disasters than men, especially in developing countries (Fan & Huang , 2023). One example of women’s vulnerability during disasters is the possibility of women experiencing sexual violence. During natural disasters, the possibility of sexual violence can increase due to damaged infrastructure, insecurity, and economic and social disruption. In such situations, women and children are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence. The possibility of sexual violence in areas affected by natural disasters can increase. Increased rates of unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions, physical and mental injuries, and death can be consequences of sexual violence. One of the characteristics of natural disasters is their uncertainty and ambiguity. Because decisions must be made quickly during an emergency response, there must be adequate planning in advance, and preparedness in the community will reduce surprises in organizations responding to the disaster (Larijani , Moslehi , & Dowlati , 2022).

Another problem that should be addressed can be in the aspect of cleanliness avalailability for women. Menstrual hygiene also becomes a problem that often arises as explained in research Hirani (2024) which states that the main barriers to women’s personal and menstrual hygiene during recurrent disasters and displacement include inadequate housing, lack of infrastructure and humanitarian assistance, absence of waste disposal systems and lack of women-friendly spaces in disaster camps. Community-based collaboration is needed for effective implementation of interventions. A comprehensive menstrual response to improve women’s health and well-being during disasters should include menstrual supplies, support facilities (especially toilets and bathing facilities), additional storage, washing and drying equipment, waste disposal/management facilities, education and culturally appropriate spaces and equipment.

Women continue to be at a disadvantage under patriarchal economic systems. They face obstacles and are burdened with gender stereotypes that prevent them from building their own economic independence. Women continue to be in a cycle of low-paid, low-skilled, reproductive and domestic work that does not afford them the same freedoms as men. In times of conflict or disaster, women face greater vulnerability. In this system, when disaster strikes, women are in a much more vulnerable position than their male counterparts. As a result, women are unable to find work, obtain the resources they need for themselves or their families, or migrate to areas that may have better services or resources, leaving them to fend for themselves and the children they are responsible for.

By considering the vulnerability of women in disaster time, Center of Women, Families, and Disasters Studies proudly host 2nd International Conference on Women, Family, and

Disasters to address the issues of:

Raising Awareness of the Role of Women and Families:
The conference aims to inspire participants with new understandings of how women and families can be key players in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters in an environmentally sustainable manner.

Encouraging Innovative and Collaborative Solutions:
We aim to encourage new ideas and cross-sector collaboration between academics, communities, governments, and international organizations to create innovative and sustainable approaches to disaster management.

Mainstreaming Gender Perspectives in Disaster Management:
The conference aims to ensure that women’s voices are heard and considered in every policy and practice, so that disaster management becomes more inclusive and effective.

Providing Space for Knowledge Sharing and Inspiration:
Through this conference, researchers, practitioners, and communities will have a space to share their stories, experiences, and research findings, while publishing their ideas in the form of recognized scientific proceedings.

Strengthening Local Community Preparedness:
We hope that this conference can help local communities, especially women, to learn practical strategies to improve their disaster preparedness, with a focus on families and their surrounding environment.

Generating Recommendations with Real Impact:
The conference aims to formulate concrete steps that can be adopted by governments, organizations, and communities in creating more resilient and sustainable communities in the future.