Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review This work is a product of the staff of The World Bank and the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) with external contributions. The findings, analysis and conclusions expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the views of any individual partner organization of The World Bank, its Board of Directors, or the governments they represent. Although the World Bank and GFDRR make reasonable efforts to ensure all the information presented in this document is correct, its accuracy and integrity cannot be guaranteed. Use of any data or information from this document is at the user’s own risk and under no circumstances shall the World Bank, GFDRR or any of its partners be liable for any loss, damage, liability or expense incurred or suffered which is claimed to result from reliance on the data contained in this document. The boundaries, colors, denomination, and other information shown in any map in this work do not imply any judgment on the part of The World Bank concerning the legal status of any territory or the endorsement or acceptance of such boundaries. RIGHTS AND PERMISSIONS The material in this work is subject to copyright. Because The World Bank encourages dissemination of its knowledge, this work may be reproduced, in whole or in part, for noncommercial purposes as long as full attribution to this work is given. Design: Miki Fernández/ULTRA Designs, Inc. Photos—Top to bottom: REUTERS/Henry Romero; M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy Stock Photo; George H.H. Huey / Alamy Stock Photo; Christian Kober 1 / Alamy Stock Photo; Matthew Wakem / Alamy Stock Photo; Michael Runkel; Frans Lemmens. | iii | Contents Abbreviations and Acronyms viii Acknowledgments x Executive Summary xi 1. Introduction 1 1.1. The importance and objectives of the desk review 2 1.2. The desk review’s conceptual framework 3 1.3. Structure of the desk review 6 1.4. The scope, methodology, and limitations 7 2. Gender gaps at the country and regional levels and the associated disaster impacts 11 Key findings 12 2.1. Population and disaster risk profiles of the Caribbean countries 13 2.2. Gender gaps related to human capital endowments and the associated disaster impacts 14 2.3. Gender gaps in economic opportunities and the associated disaster impacts 18 2.4. Gender gaps related to voice and agency and the associated disaster impacts 20 3. Integration of gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment into disaster preparedness and recovery efforts: The desk review’s key findings 23 Key findings 24 3.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 25 4. Conclusion: The way forward 32 | iv | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix A. Country profile: Antigua and Barbuda A.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 36 A.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 49 A.3. Implementation and practice 50 A.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 50 A.5. Women’s participation and leadership 51 A.6. Gaps and recommendations 51 Appendix B. Country profile: Belize B.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 43 B.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 44 B.3. Implementation and practice 45 B.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 45 B.5. Women’s participation and leadership 46 B.6. Gaps and recommendations 46 Appendix C. Country profile: Dominica C.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 49 C.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 50 C.3. Implementation and practice 51 C.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 52 C.5. Women’s participation and leadership 52 C.6. Gaps and recommendations 53 Appendix D. Country profile: Grenada D.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 56 D.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 57 D.3. Implementation and practice 58 D.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 59 D.5. Women’s participation and leadership 59 D.6. Gaps and recommendations 59 Appendix E. Country profile: Guyana E.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 62 E.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 64 E.3. Implementation and practice 65 E.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 66 Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | v | E.5 Women’s participation and leadership 66 E.6. Gaps and recommendations 66 Appendix F. Country profile: Jamaica F.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 70 F.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 72 F.3. Implementation and practice 73 F.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 73 F.5. Women’s participation and leadership 74 F.6. Gaps and recommendations 74 Appendix G. Country profile: Saint Lucia G.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 77 G.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 78 G.3. Implementation and practice 79 G.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 80 G.5. Women’s participation and leadership 80 G.6. Gaps and recommendations 81 Appendix H. Country profile: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines H.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 84 H.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 85 H.3. Implementation and practice 86 H.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 86 H.5. Women’s participation and leadership 86 H.6. Gaps and recommendations 87 Appendix I. Country profile: Suriname I.1. National policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV 91 I.2. National and sector DRM and climate change laws, policies, and plans and the status of their gender integration 92 I.3. Implementation and practice 93 I.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation 93 I.5. Women’s participation and leadership 94 I.6. Gaps and recommendations 94 Appendix J. Select toolkits, guides, and benchmarking resources consulted for the desk review 97 Appendix K. Glossary of Terminology 98 | vi | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Figures Figure 1.1. Priority target areas of gender integration into DRM policies and programs. 5 Figure 1.2. Integration of gender into the policy cycle in the DRM context. 6 Figure 2.1. Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births at the country and regional levels. 16 Figure 2.2. Country-level and regional gender gaps in labor force participation. 19 Figure 2.3. Sexual violence in select Caribbean countries with available data. 21 Tables Table 2.1. GDP per capita and select population indicators at the country and regional levels in 2019. 13 Table 2.2. INFORM Risk Indices related to natural hazards and COVID-19 in 2020. 14 Table 2.3. Educational attainment, vocational education of men and women, and out-of-school rates for primary and secondary education. 15 Table 2.4. Select indicators related to social protection. 18 Table 2.5. Select decision-making indicators at the country and regional levels. 20 Table 3.1. Gender equality policies and plans. 25 Table 3.2. National policies related to GBV and DV. 26 Table 3.3. The number of disaster and climate change policies and plans at the national level that contain specific provisions or mention gender and vulnerable groups, per country. 27 Table A.1. Antigua and Barbuda’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 36 Table A.2. Antigua and Barbuda’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 37 Table A.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Antigua and Barbuda. 40 Table B.1. Belize’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 43 Table B.2. Belize’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 44 Table B.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Belize. 46 Table C.1. Dominica’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 49 Table C.2. Dominica’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 50 Table C.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Dominica. 53 Table D.1. Grenada’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 56 Table D.2. Grenada’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 57 Table D.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Grenada. 60 Table E.1. Guyana’s key legislation, policies, and plans on gender equality and GBV. 62 Table E.2. Guyana’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 64 Table E.3. Gender gaps in DRM and recommendations for Guyana. 67 Table F.1. Jamaica’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 70 Table F.2. Jamaica’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 72 Table F.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Jamaica. 75 Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | vii | Table G.1. Saint Lucia’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 77 Table G.2. Santa Lucia’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 78 Table G.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Saint Lucia. 81 Table H.1. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 84 Table H.2. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 85 Table H.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. 87 Table I.1. Suriname’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. 91 Table I.2. Suriname’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. 92 Table I.3. Suriname’s NAP action by sector. 93 Table I.4. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Suriname. 95 | viii | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Abbreviations and Acronyms AIDS Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome BGA Bureau of Gender Affairs (Dominica, Jamaica, and Suriname) BWA Bureau of Women’s Affairs (Jamaica) CARICOM Caribbean Community CCAP Climate Change Adaptation Policy CDB Caribbean Development Bank CDC Civil Defence Commission (Guyana) CDEMA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency CDM Comprehensive Disaster Management CEDAW Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (United Nations) CRF Canada Caribbean Resilience Facility CSO Civil society organization DAPD Dominica Association of People with Disabilities DGR Division of Gender Relations (Saint Lucia) DoE Department of Environment (Antigua and Barbuda) DoGA Directorate of Gender Affairs (Antigua and Barbuda) DNCW Dominica National Council of Women DRM Disaster risk management DRR Disaster risk reduction DV Domestic violence ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean ECT Emergency cash transfer EWS Early warning system FAO Food and Agriculture Organization GAB Gender Affairs Bureau (Guyana) GAD Gender Affairs Division (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) GBV Gender-based violence GCF Green Climate Fund GEPAP Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan (Grenada) GFDRR Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction GFP Gender Focal Points GoAB Government of Antigua and Barbuda GoB Government of Belize GoCD Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica GoG Government of Grenada GoGy Government of Guyana GoJ Government of Jamaica GoS Government of Suriname GoSL Government of Saint Lucia GoSVG Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines GNOW Grenada National Organisation of Women GWLI Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute HIV Human immunodeficiency virus HVCA Hazard, Vulnerability, Capacity Assessment ICT Information and communication technology IGAP Integral Gender Action Plans (Suriname) Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | ix | ILO International Labor Organisation IOM International Organisation for Migration IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature J-CCCP Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership LAC Latin America and the Caribbean LGBTI Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex MAB Men’s Affairs Bureau (Guyana) NaDMA National Disaster Management Agency (Grenada) NAP National Adaptation Plan NCCR National Coordination Center for Disaster Relief (Suriname) NCW National Council of Women (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) NDC National Disaster Committee (Jamaica) NDMO National Disaster Management Organisation (Saint Lucia) NEC National Emergency Council (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) NEMO National Emergency Management Organisation (Belize and Saint Lucia) NEOC National Emergency Operations Centre (Guyana) NEPO National Emergency Planning Organization (Dominica) NGESIP National Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy (Guyana) NGO Non-governmental organization NIDRMP National Integrated Disaster Risk Management Plan and Strategy (Guyana) NODS National Office of Disaster Services (Antigua and Barbuda) NPGE National Policy for Gender Equality (Jamaica) NRDS National Resilience Development Strategy (Dominica) NWC National Women’s Commission (Belize) ODM Office for Disaster Management (Dominica) ODPEM Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (Jamaica) OECS Organization of East Caribbean States PAHO Pan American Health Organization PWDs Persons with disabilities SIRF Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund UN United Nations UNDP Nations Development Program UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFPA United Nations Fund for Population Activities UNICEF United Nations International Children’s Education Fund UNISDR United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction UNITAR United Nations Institute for Training and Research UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime VCA Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment WAD Women Across Differences (Guyana) WHO World Health Organization Acknowledgments A World Bank team composed of Dr. Yulia Krylova, Karen Sirker, and Dr. Hanna Haile wrote this desk review under the guidance of Dr. Naraya Carrasco, Mirtha Escobar, Suranga Sooriya Kumara Kahandawa, and Cristina Otano, also of the World Bank. The team gratefully acknowledges the guidance and support of the peer reviewers Victoria Stanley, Bandita Sijapati, Lourdes Rodriquez Chamussy, and Alvina Elisabeth Erman. The purpose of this desk review is to inform of the activities and operations of the Canada-Caribbean Resilience Facility (CRF), a single-donor trust fund aimed at achieving more effective and coordinated gender- informed climate-resilient preparedness, recovery, and public financial management practices in the targeted Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. | xi | Executive Summary Children paint in a shelter a month after Hurricane Irma struck the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda. Photo: REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton | xii | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility C aribbean countries share a number of management (DRM). During its first stage, the desk review characteristics which make them vulnerable to focused on an analysis of national policies on gender external threats, including small populations, equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and gender- limited economies of scale, and undiversified based violence. At this stage, specific attention spotlighted economies. The COVID-19 pandemic through 2020 on the availability of a comprehensive gender policy and has added to the severity of consequences for these national action plan in the CRF countries as well as on new countries’ disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, changes in their national laws aimed at removing existing which can significantly complicate challenges caused legal disparities. The second stage of the evaluation process by natural or man-made disasters, and disrupt health focused on an analysis of the countries’ DRM and climate services and health infrastructure as well as make social change laws, policies, and plans of its gender-specific distancing more difficult in relief shelters and among content and provisions for vulnerable populations and people displaced by natural hazards. Strong evidence disadvantaged groups. The third stage of the evaluation from around the world has demonstrated that disaster process involved an analysis of implementation practices, impacts are more devastating for vulnerable populations knowledge generation and advocacy efforts, and women’s and disadvantaged groups that comprise women, the participation and leadership in DRM and climate change poor, the elderly, youth, people with disabilities, and programs and initiatives. various minority groups. Such evidence underscores the importance of differential gender analysis for The desk review’s key findings reveal that women face an effective disaster planning and recovery, while inequalities in all aspects of their lives, human capital considering the specific needs of vulnerable populations endowments, economic opportunities, and voice and and disadvantaged groups. agency. Higher unemployment rates, access to fewer economic opportunities, lower wages, vulnerable This desk review recognizes the importance of evidence- employment, and insufficient social support systems result based approaches to disaster risk management (DRM), in women’s limited access to safety nets compared to men. and aims at evaluating gender-responsive disaster These inequalities result in more devastating impacts of preparedness and recovery efforts in the nine CFR1 disasters on women. At the same time, the desk review Caribbean countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, shows that women as well as other disadvantaged groups Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint are not fully integrated into DRM and climate change Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. The desk efforts in the CRF countries. The CRF countries experience review’s key objectives include: (i) an assessment of common problems in their efforts to integrate a gender gender gaps and other inequalities, particularly in the perspective into DRM contain gaps. context of disaster impacts; (ii) an evaluation of the extent • Lack of systematic and consistent gender assessments of the integration of gender considerations into disaster and gender analysis in most policies, plans, strategies, and climate change policies at the national and sector and programmatic reports about DRM and climate levels; and (iii) the development of recommendations change resilience. for capacity building and technical assistance in gender- responsive disaster preparedness and recovery for each of • Lack of systematic and consistent collection of data the nine countries. disaggregated by sex and other key variables of vulnerable groups (age, for example), and limited The desk review followed the key aspects of the 2016– gender considerations in post-disaster needs 2023 World Bank Gender Strategy in the assessment assessments, sectoral vulnerability and capacity of gender gaps at the country level and the associated assessments, hazard analyses, risk assessments, and disaster impacts: human capital endowments, economic climate change adaptation plans. opportunities, and voice and agency (World Bank • Limited local research on the connection between 2016). The desk review utilized a three-stage process gender, the environment, and women and men’s in the evaluation of gender integration into disaster risk health regarding the environment-based industries. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | xiii | • Limited efforts to integrate child and gender sensitivity Overall, the desk review’s analysis shows that most into ongoing public programs as well as lack of disaster-related policies in the Caribbean countries are awareness raising campaigns about the importance gender neutral, without considerations of specific needs of gender-sensitive budgeting. of men, women, girls, and boys as well as those of the • Institutional barriers and lack of incentives to increase elderly, people living with disabilities, people with AIDS the number of women in decision-making positions or HIV, and various minorities. The introduction of more on DRM and climate change. gender-balanced approaches to DRM policies would allow the Caribbean countries to address some of their • Insufficient human and financial resources provided common characteristics such as a significant number of to the countries’ national gender divisions to support household headed by women because of the absence gender mainstreaming. of male partners, the prevalence of masculinity norms, • Limited monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to gender stereotypes and biases, and persistent GBV. support gender-mainstreaming initiatives and track their progress. In addition, the desk review’s analysis of the existing • Lack of evidence-based policies on inclusion of the country reports and country gender assessments poor, ethnic minorities, indigent people, people with reveals that they focus mainly on vulnerabilities of disabilities, people with HIV or AIDS or both, the poor, disadvantaged groups, rather than their capacities. and other vulnerable groups in DRM programs and Such a one-sided focus does now allow for enhanced decision-making processes. community resilience and capacity building for more • Insufficient discussions on gender equality in policy efficient disaster preparedness and recovery. For making, planning, and developing programs on water example, although in disaster and post-disaster settings, management, waste management, land management, women play their critical roles as volunteers, nurses, renewable energy, clean transportation, and other and caretakes for the vulnerable and disabled at the environmental topics. Limited efforts by national household and community levels, these important roles governments to build partnerships for DRM and and many other functions of women are often invisible climate change resilience with women’s organizations, in the country reports and country gender assessments. and other civil society organizations (CSOs) and non- The desk review offers a set of recommendations to governmental organizations (NGOs) that address address the identified gaps for national governments and critical issues affecting women, children, the elderly, internal stakeholders in the private and non-profit sectors. minority groups, and people with disabilities. Each country profile contains a list of the most severe gender gaps in DRM and the related recommendations • Lack of consideration regarding gender-based in the following eight critical areas: (i) legislation, policies, violence (GBV) and domestic violence (DV) in DRM and plans; (ii) sex-disaggregated data and gender-specific policies as well as limited provision of psychosocial research, (iii) GBV; (iv) institutional strengthening, (v) and other supportive services to GBV and DV victims advocacy and education, (vi) partnerships in DRM, (vii) and survivors, and insufficient measures for ensuring social inclusion; and (vii) women’s participation and a safe environment for women, children, and other leadership in DRM and climate change activities. In its vulnerable individuals living in shelters. conclusion, the desk review also points to the necessity • Significant gender gaps and other inefficiencies in of several supportive activities in such critical areas as early warning systems (EWS), and a lack of gender- analytics, training, and knowledge management as well as specific measures. monitoring and evaluation operations. These supportive • Gender disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and activities aim at accelerating gender integration into DRM behavioral practices toward climate change and and climate change resilience in the Caribbean countries. limited gender-responsive public information and education campaigns for disaster preparedness and The desk review aims to inform of the CRF activities and recovery operations in its efforts to support more effective and | xiv | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility coordinated gender-informed and disability-inclusive Notes climate-resilient preparedness and recovery in the CRF Caribbean Resilience Facility was established in 2019, with funding from the Canadian Government, to achieve more effective and countries. The desk review also targets national policy coordinated gender-informed and disability-inclusive climate-resilient makers who face the challenge of addressing the preparedness, recovery, and public financial management practices in CRF countries Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, COVID-19 pandemic, while simultaneously preparing for Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and an increase in natural hazards caused by climate change. Suriname. Finally, the report will be of interest to development practitioners and various women’s organizations, CSOs, References World Bank. 2016. World Bank Group Gender Strategy (FY 2016- and NGOs that address critical issues for disadvantaged 2023). Washington, D.C.: World Bank. http://documents1.worldbank. groups and vulnerable populations. As the desk review org/curated/en/820851467992505410/pdf/102114-REVISED-PUBLIC- WBG-Gender-Strategy.pdf. shows, the development of gender-responsive disaster and climate change policies is more successful if it is based 1. Introduction on an inclusive participatory process and consultations with a wide range of stakeholders. | 1 | ­ People leave a school used as a shelter after Hurricane Earl, Belize City, Belize. Photo: REUTERS/Henry Romero 1 Introduction | 2 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility 1.1. The importance and objectives on Disaster Risk Reduction 2005–2015 (UNISDR 2005) and of the desk review the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015– 2030 (UNISDR 2015) prioritize gender-responsive DRM, DRM is critically important for resilient development. The and require to incorporate gender perspectives in relevant gendered nature of disasters and their gender-specific policies, strategies, and plans at all levels. impacts are well documented in the DRM literature. Multiple studies show that genders experience disasters Given the vulnerability of Caribbean countries to the differently, with women and vulnerable populations being increasing risk of disasters and climate change-related more susceptible to their devastating impacts on account hazards, effective and efficient disaster risk management of a multitude of pre-existing inequalities and gender gaps policies remain at the top of the public agenda at the in access to health, social protection, education, productive national and regional levels. However, despite the resources, economic opportunities, and voice and agency importance of gender-responsive DRM, several studies (ECLAC 2004, ECLAC, UNIFEM, and UNDP 2005, Enarson provide evidence that many Caribbean countries are and Morrow 1998, Insurance Development Forum 2020, lagging behind on the integration of gender into disaster Neumayer and Plümper 2007; Nour 2011, Joseph–Brown preparedness and recovery efforts (Dunn 2013, Mendoza and Tuiloma–Sua 2012, and UNISDR 2009). Moreover, 2019, and UNDP 2009). For instance, a research project, disasters and climate change-related hazards further “Enhancing Gender Visibility in Disaster Risk Management exacerbate the already existing inequalities and gender and Climate Change in the Caribbean” conducted in gaps, often resulting in new forms of discrimination and five selected Caribbean countries, lists among its key an increase in inequality (Ferris et al. 2013; Hallegatte et findings: (i) limited awareness of gender differences al. 2020). This trend manifests itself in a reinforcing loop, in disaster impacts; (ii) lack of integration of national where a higher level of vulnerability of women and other gender machineries into disaster planning; (iii) limited disadvantaged groups transforms exogenous hazards to participation of civil society; and (iv) lack of policies for more devastating disaster impacts for these groups, that gender mainstreaming in DRM programs and strategies in turn, further increases their vulnerability to disasters (UNDP 2009). Similarly, studies of gendered effects of and climate change-related hazards. climate change in the Caribbean region distinguish the lack of gender mainstreaming in the context of disasters and Consideration of gender-specific needs, skills, vulnerabilities, climate change resilience as one of the major challenges and capabilities is, therefore, essential for inclusive and to sustainable development and gender equality in the gender-responsive DRM. Women play crucial roles in DRM Caribbean (Kerr 2013; Small 2013). due to their unique experiences, and make their valuable contributions to climate risk reduction. They are primarily The Caribbean Regional Comprehensive Disaster responsible for taking care of children, the elderly, and Management (CDM) Strategy and Results Framework the disabled as well as for such duties as providing safe 2014–2024, developed by the Caribbean Disaster spaces for victims of violence, hosting displaced families, Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to address and meeting broader community needs in their capacity these issues, calls for the development and implementation as volunteers and nurses (Joseph–Brown and Tuiloma–Sua of national and regional policies and programs aimed at the 2012). Yet, often these critical roles are not fully recognized integration of gender in various aspects of DRM (CDEMA because women themselves “are largely marginalized in the 2014). Specifically, the framework states that gender development of DRR policy and decision-making processes mainstreaming in DRM should entail “the assessment and their voices go unheard” (UNISDR, UNDP, and IUCN of the differences in vulnerabilities between women and 2009). A wide consensus prevails among the international men, girls and boys, and how these vulnerabilities should community regarding the necessity to integrate gender be taken into account in the design of policies, strategies considerations into disaster risk management and climate and programs aimed at safeguarding our populations in change policies and decision making. For example, the face of the negative effects of disasters and in the international frameworks such as the Hyogo Framework recovery and reconstruction thereafter” (CDEMA 2014 The Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 3 | CDEMA Regional CDM Strategy encourages participating The desk review contributes to the existing DRM and countries—Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, climate change literature by providing a systematic Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and analysis of the extent of gender integration in disaster the Grenadines, and Suriname—to make gender-specific preparedness and recovery efforts at the levels of policies, concerns and experiences of the role of women and men institutions, and interventions in Antigua and Barbuda, as agents of change in the policy-making area an integral Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, part of the design, adoption, implementation, monitoring, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. and evaluation of disaster-related policies (ibid.). The CRF intends to build their capacity on DRM’s technical 1.2. The desk review’s conceptual aspects in close collaboration with CDEMA as well as framework with relevant national organizations in charge of DRM in the CRF countries. It recognizes that gender-responsive This desk review uses the conceptual framework of institutional and technical approaches are crucial for more the World Bank Group Gender Strategy 2016–2023 effective gender-responsive national disaster preparedness and the Global Facility for Disaster Risk Reduction’s and resilient recovery. The CRF has adopted an evidence- (GFDRR) Gender Action Plan 2016–2021 to analyze based approach, to identify key operational, analytical, gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment and capacity building activities in the nine countries: for resilience strengthening. The framework is organized Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, around three interrelated pillars: (i) human capital Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and endowments, particularly health, education, and Suriname. The CRF will conduct a gender gap assessment social protection; (ii) economic opportunity, defined of priority sectors in each of the nine countries to determine as participation in economic activities and access to the gender-differentiated impacts of disasters, and assess productive assets; and (iii) voice and agency, understood the level of the integration of gender considerations into as freedom from violence and the ability to participate preparedness and resilient recovery at the sector level. The in decision making, and influence political processes and assessments will identify bottlenecks, gaps, and challenges governance mechanisms (GFDRR 2016). The World Bank to effective gender-responsive disaster preparedness Group Gender Strategy builds on the evidence base and and recovery activities in the key sectors most impacted conceptual framework of the 2012 World Development by climate change and disasters. It will also inform CRF Report on Gender Equality and Development (World Bank operational, training, and analytical activities to ensure 2011). It identifies climate change and DRM as emerging national approaches to disaster preparedness and recovery areas that require bringing a gender lens to resilience and are more gender responsive. developing gender-smart solutions to climate change. This approach helps identify key issues, gaps, challenges, • The CRF conducted this desk review as foundational opportunities, and potential areas of intervention to gender gap assessments to understand the gender narrow those gaps. The conceptual framework aligns dimensions of disaster preparedness and resilient with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction recovery in the nine CRF countries. Understand existing 2015–2030, which states among its principles that DRR national-level disaster preparedness and recovery requires a gender, age, disability, and cultural perspective efforts better in each of the nine countries, and the in all policies (UNISDR 2015). extent to which they integrate gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment; In addition, integrating gender into DRM in small island • Identify gaps and needs for gender integration in developing states (SIDS) is supported by the Hyogo Frame- policies, analysis, and capacities; and work for Action (UNISDR 2005), according to which a gen- • Generate findings and recommendations for technical der perspective should be integrated into all DRM policies, assistance and capacity-building activities in preparedness plans, and decision-making processes, including those on and recovery for each of the nine countries. risk assessment, early warning, information management, | 4 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility and education and training. According to the Sendai response, and recovery through capacity building and Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030, “di- training. saster-prone developing countries, especially the least de- • Build and enhance the capacities of professional veloped countries and SIDS, warrant particular attention organizations, communities, and pertinent national in view of their higher vulnerability and risk levels, which and local institutions to enable gender mainstreaming often greatly exceed their capacity to respond to and re- into all development sectors. cover from disasters” (UNISDR 2015). Finally, this frame- work is supported by the Beijing Agenda for Global Action Based on these international frameworks, the World on Gender-Sensitive Disaster Risk Reduction adopted at Bank Group Gender Strategy 2016–2023, and the the International Conference on Gender and Disaster Risk GFDDR’s Gender Action Plan 2016–2021, the desk Reduction, which has set nine goals (Aguilar 2009). review identifies key priority target areas of gender integration into disaster and climate change-related • Increase political commitment to gender analysis and policies, strategies, and programs in accordance with the gender mainstreaming through enhanced cooperation three pillars of gender equality: endowments, economic and collaboration between ministries responsible opportunities, and agency and voice. The priority target for disaster risk reduction, climate change, poverty areas of gender are schematically integrated into DRM reduction, and gender issues, with the participation policies and programs (figure 1.1). It is necessary to of civil society. note that the three pillars of gender equality and the • Develop and review national policies, relevant corresponding priority target areas are interrelated and laws, strategies, plans, and budgets and take interdependent. Inequalities in exposure and sensitivity immediate action to mainstream gender into national to disaster-related and climate change risks, combined development policies, planning, and programs. with inequalities in access to health, social protection, education, economic opportunities, and decision-making • Foster the links between disaster risk reduction and capabilities, systematically disadvantage women, and climate change adaptation from a gender perspective make them more vulnerable to the impact of disasters through policy and administrative measures. and climate change hazards. • Collect gender-specific data and statistics on the impact of disasters, carry out gender-sensitive vulnerability, To illustrate, gender-equitable access to education, risk and capacity assessments, and develop gender vocational training, and STEM1 programs in DRM and sensitive-indicators to monitor and measure progress. climate change resilience allows women and other • Increase awareness of the public and media on the disadvantaged groups to: improve their access to income- gender-sensitive vulnerabilities and capacities in earning opportunities; improve their participation in disasters and gender-specific needs and concerns in disaster recovery and reconstruction programs; and disaster risk reduction and management. increase their chances to be selected for important decision-making positions. Improved income-earning • Support research institutions to study the cost opportunities for women and other vulnerable groups, benefit and efficiency of gender-sensitive policies and in turn, enhance their safety nets in case of emergencies programs in disaster risk reduction, climate change and disaster situations. Furthermore, improved safety nets adaptation and poverty reduction. of women and disadvantaged groups make them less • Secure the actual application of disaster risk vulnerable to different forms of exploitation, including assessments as part of development policy making sexual abuse for food, shelter, and even security during and program formulation to prevent disasters from disasters and in post-disaster settings. A multitude of making the poor even poorer. other connections between the three pillars of gender • Improve and mainstream a gender perspective and equality in the DRM context imply the necessity to analyze equal participation between men and women in the the integration of gender into disaster preparedness and coordination of disaster preparedness, humanitarian recovery efforts in a broader context of gender gaps and Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 5 | Figure 1.1. Priority target areas of gender integration into DRM policies and programs. Priority target areas of gender integration into DRM Endowments Economic opportunities Agency and voice Gender-equitable access to Gender-equitable access to Gender-equitable participation health, sexual and reproductive income-earning opportunities and in design, development, health services, gender-targeted productive assests, particularly implementation, monitoring, and psychosocial and counseling in post-disaster recovery and evaluation of DRM and climate services, particularly in disaster reconstruction programs change policies and post-disaster settings Gender-equitable access to education, vocational training, Gender-equitable distribution of Gender-equitable access to STEMa programs, information, benefits from resources, projects, desision-making positions and and warning systems related and initiatives related to DRM and roles related to DRM and climate to DRM and climate change climate change resilience change resilience resilience Gender-equitable access to social Targeted investments based on Gender-responsive programs and safety nets, relief programs, and gender-specific needs, particularly initiatives to reduce GBV and DV, social protection before, during, in disaster and post-disaster with a focus on their increased and after disasters settings risks during and after disasters Source: Original diagram for this publication. World Bank 2020. a STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics inequalities that already exist in labor markets, formal and is imperative to achieve and maintain gender-equitable informal institutions, and within households. involvement and participation in DRM as well as in its policy-making process to break the debilitating grip of Critical elements that integrate gender into the DRM the vicious loop. policy-making process are gender gap measurements and specific data collection relevant to the three pillars of The policy cycle that integrates gender in DRM involves gender equality. According to the desk review’s conceptual five stages: (i) problem identification and agenda setting; framework, gender-differentiated impacts of disasters are (ii) policy formulation and design; (iii) policy adoption; seen as the output of a reinforcing loop. A higher level of (iv) policy implementation; and (v) policy evaluation. vulnerability of women and other disadvantaged groups Importantly, an effective policy-making process should be due to pre-existing gaps in access to endowments, based on gender-equitable involvement and participation economic opportunities, and decision making translates in all stages of the policy cycle (figure 1.2). into more devastating disaster impacts for these groups, which, in turn, negatively impacts their human capital The desk review pays particular attention not only to endowments, economic opportunities, and agency. The gender vulnerabilities and gaps associated with gender- compounding effects, therefore, further increase their specific disaster impacts, but also to women’s participation vulnerability to disasters, creating a reinforcing loop. It and leadership roles in the policy-making process and | 6 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility implementation of programs in DRM and climate change 1.3. Structure of the desk review resilience. The latter perspective underlines critical roles of women as agents of change searching for solutions The desk review pays special attention to an analysis to new challenges related to ever-increasing risks of of sophisticated interconnections and links between disasters and climate change hazards. This approach gender gaps connected to endowments, economic to the conceptualization of gender-responsive DRM opportunities, voice and agency, and gender inequalities to gender gaps and capabilities helps assess the extent in the DRM and climate change contexts, with a of gender integration into disaster preparedness and view to helping both practitioners and policy makers recovery efforts more effectively in the nine CRF countries better target various types of discrimination. The desk at the levels of policies, programs, and institutions. The review contributes to the existing literature on gender- integrated conceptual framework defines the structure of responsive DRM policies and practices; it explores gender this desk review. integration in national-level disaster preparedness and Figure 1.2. Integration of gender into the policy cycle in the DRM context. • Collection of sex-dissagregated and intersectoral data related to DRM and climate change resilience. • Quantifying the problem by measuring gender gaps related to endowment, economic • Evaluation of gender-specific changes opportunities, and agency in the DRM context. in gape, knowledge, attitudes, • Gender equitable participation in practices, behavior, norms, and the disaster-related resilience policy Agenda unintended consequences of the setting formulation and design. policy under consideration. • Analysis of gender-specific norms, • Tracing the achieved outcomes needs roles, stereotypes, barriers, and progress based on the relevant facilitators, and other facotrs relevant gender-specific indicators. for this policy. Evaluation Formulation and feedback and design Integration of • Gender equitable participation in the gender into the • Consultation with women’s implementation process. policy cycle organizations, disadvantaged groups, • Monitoring activities and gender and CSOs and NGOs representing their differences in reach, benefits, interests. and access to resources at the • Taking into consideration voices of implememntation stage. marginalized groups. Implementation Adoption Source: Original diagram for this publication. World Bank 2020. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 7 | recovery efforts in each of the nine CRF countries, with preparedness and recovery efforts in the nine CRF particular attention to interactions between gender countries. Part 3 focuses on an analysis of national inequalities in the policy-making process and in the policies on gender equality, DRM, and climate change, implementation of relevant programs and initiatives. An with specific attention to changes in national laws and analysis of gaps in DRM policies helps develop country- action plans that affect existing legal disparities and specific policy recommendations aimed at creating gender gaps in endowments, economic opportunities, a more enabling environment for gender-equitable and agency identified in Part 2. The analysis also covers involvement in policy making and in diminishing gender other vulnerable groups apart from women such as gaps in priority target areas of gender integration into children, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and DRM. Structurally, the report contains four sections. various minority groups. The original contribution of this section to the existing literature can be attributed to a Part 1 introduces the desk study’s objectives and its systematic analysis of the extent of gender integration conceptual framework. This part draws on the conceptual into DRM and climate change resilience at the levels of framework and describes the desk review’s methodology policies, institutions, and programs in the CRF countries. developed for the evaluation of gender integration into DRM in the CRF countries. It also identifies the scope of the Part 4 of the desk review summarizes major findings desk review and its key limitations that point to some of that emerge from the analyzed disaster and climate the future directions for further research efforts in this area. change policies and their gender-specific content as well as their implementation and policy interventions that Part 2 presents an analysis and quantification of gender address various gender dimensions of DRM and climate gaps at the country and regional levels to give an change resilience. It is designed to promote evidence- overview of the identified barriers to gender equality based policy making and the development of innovative and women and girls’ empowerment in the Caribbean. solutions to support gender integration into disaster Part 2 sets the necessary context for Part 3 that preparedness and recovery efforts in the Caribbean. This contains the desk review’s original research of gender section provides a set of key priority areas for action and integration into disaster and climate change policies recommendations “to ensure that DRM investments and programs. It identifies links between endowments, go beyond ‘gender screening’ towards specific actions economic opportunities, and agency and voice, on the and outcomes that address the gender dimensions one hand, and gender-specific impacts of disasters, of disaster preparedness and recovery, and empower on the other hand. Part 2 provides multiple examples women and girls for broader resilience strengthening” and vivid illustrations how the pre-existing gender gaps (GFDRR 2016). This section also describes knowledge linked to endowments, economic opportunities, and gaps that still remain in this area, and identifies potential voice and agency result in women and other vulnerable directions for further research to fill these gaps. groups’ limited access to safety nets, making them more vulnerable in disaster situations, and less prepared to counteract such devastating impacts on their lives. Part 1.4. The scope, methodology, 2 describes both general challenges faced by women and limitations before, during and after disasters across this region based on the available statistics and literature review, and The scope of the desk review is limited to the evaluation specific barriers to gender equality at the country level. of gender-responsive disaster preparedness and recovery Where possible, regional data are provided to illustrate efforts in the CRF countries: Antigua and Barbuda, larger trends evident in cross-country comparisons about Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, gender disparities and discrimination. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. This evaluation is primarily based on qualitative data related to Part 3 explores the integration of gender equality national gender, GBV, DRM, and climate change policies. and women and girls’ empowerment in disaster However, the desk review also utilized quantitative data | 8 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility to assess gender gaps at the country level derived from Coverage of gender-specific topics varied significantly existing databases such as the World Bank’s Gender Data among the countries under consideration and their Portal, the World Development Indicators, the Women, responsible agencies. In most cases, policy documents did Business and the Law database, the United Nations not include gender-specific policy outcomes and indicators Survey of Crime Trends, the INFORM Index database, for their implementation assessments or provide any little the UNESCO Institute for Statistics database, and the detail about the relevant strategies and actions to achieve database on Global Educational Attainment developed gender-specific goals. by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Apart from gender-specific country indicators, the desk The third stage of the evaluation process involved review included regional and sub-regional indicators for an analysis of implementation practices, knowledge comparative analysis. generation and advocacy efforts, and of women’s participation and leadership in DRM and climate change The evaluation of gender integration into DRM in the CRF programs and initiatives at the country level. This stage countries was based on a three-stage process. During of the evaluation was based on an analytical review of its first stage, the desk review focused on an analysis of recent reports on DRR and country gender assessments national policies on gender equality, women and girls’ by international organizations, multilateral agencies, empowerment, and GBV. At this stage, specific attention committees, and financial institutions, including the was paid to the availability of a comprehensive gender UNICEF, UN Women, the UN ECLAC, the Committee policy and national plan of action in the countries under on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, consideration as well as changes in their national laws and the UNDP, the Caribbean Development Bank, the Inter- action plans aimed at removing existing legal disparities. American Development Bank, the International Monetary The analysis also covered other vulnerable groups, apart Fund, the World Bank Group and its Global Facility for from women, such as children, youth, the elderly, persons Disaster Reduction and Recovery, among other entities. with disabilities, and various minority groups. In addition, the evaluation included official reports by the national disaster management organizations and • The second stage of the evaluation process focused other public agencies, evaluations of multihazard EWS on an analysis of the countries’ DRM and climate conducted under the guidance of CDEMA, the knowledge, change laws, policies, and plans on a very wide range attitudes and practices (KAP) surveys on climate change of characteristics. commissioned by the UNDP through the Japan-Caribbean • The scope and focus of the policy; Climate Change Partnership, and program reports by • The involvement of women, women’s organizations, various regional organizations, environmental funds, and and representatives of various vulnerable groups in international donors. the policy development; A key limitation of this desk review is the absence of • The quality and quantity of gender considerations systematic and consistent data collection on disaster in the policy document, including policy goals and impacts disaggregated by sex and other variables linked objectives of women and vulnerable groups (e.g., to vulnerable groups in the CRF countries. In addition, youth, the elderly, persons with disabilities, ingenious only a small portion of the analyzed studies and reports people, ethnical minorities, and people with HIV or on DRM and climate change contain sex-disaggregated AIDS); and results. For example, among the KAP surveys on climate • Inclusion of gender-specific policy outcomes, change included in this desk review, only one survey in strategies, actions, and indicators, with a focus on Saint Lucia contained sex-disaggregated results (Severin the quality and depth of their integration with gender and Jacobs Small 2016). Another limitation concerns policies. lack of data on the number of women in decision- These characteristics were applied to DRM and climate making positions in DRM and on the number of women’s change policy documents at the national and sector levels. organizations active in the climate change policy making. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 9 | In addition, most qualitative studies and quantitative Notes data in the Caribbean countries featured in this desk STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines – science, technology, engineering and review focus on homogenous demographic groups mathematics – in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. represented by women, the elderly, children, with a lack of consideration of their intersectional vulnerabilities. References This problem, however, is not limited to this region, but Aguilar, Lorena. 2009. How Natural Disasters Affect Women. IUCN. is also observed at the global level. For instance, a study https://www.iucn.org/content/how-natural-disasters-affect-women produced by UN Women’s Disaster Risk Reduction and CDEMA. 2014. Regional Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy (CDM) Strategy and Results Framework. St. Michael, Resilience Team found “data gaps excluding marginalized Barbados: CDEMA. https://www.cdema.org/CDM groups were apparent in all data sets, including at census Strategy_2014-2024.pdf level, meaning marginalized groups were often invisible Dunn, Leith L, ed. 2013. Gender, Climate Change and Disaster in analysis, policy, and practice” (Brown et al. 2019). The Risk Management. Kingston, Jamaica: Institute of Gender and lack of sex-disaggregated and intersectional quantitative Development Studies. data in the DRM and climate change areas significantly ECLAC. 2004. Hurricane Ivan Economic Impact Report. https://www. odpem.org.jm/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ECLAC-Hurricane-Ivan- limits the understanding of the issues surrounding Economic-Impact-Report_compressed.pdf the integration of gender considerations into disaster ECLAC, UNIFEM, and UNDP. 2005. Grenada: A Gender Impact preparedness and recovery efforts. Assessment of Hurricane Ivan - Making the Invisible Visible. https:// repositorio.cepal.org/handle/11362/27582. The final limitation of this desk review is attributed to Enarson, E., and Morrow, B.H., eds. 1998. The Gender Terrain of Natural Disasters: Through Women’s Eyes. Westport, CT: Praeger COVID-19 policies. This desk review recognizes that the Publishers. global pandemic has severely and adversely affected Ferris, Elisabeth, Daniel Petz, and Chareen Stark. 2013. The Year disaster preparedness and recovery in the Caribbean of Recurring Disasters: A Review of Natural Disasters in 2012. countries, and includes the COVID-19 Risk Index in the Washington, D.C.: Brookings Institution Press. https://www. brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ND-Review-Chapter-4. countries’ disaster profiles. However, due to the limited pdf. scope of the research, the desk review does not include GFDRR. 2016. Gender Action Plan: 2016-2021. Washington, D.C.: an analysis of national COVID-19 policies and guidelines World Bank. https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/gfdrr-gender- in the CRF countries. action-plan.pdf. | 10 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Hallegatte, Stéphane, Adrian Vogt-Schilb, Julie Rozenberg, J. et al. Neumayer, Eric, and Thomas Plümper. 2007. “The Gendered 2020. From Poverty to Disaster and Back: a Review of the Literature. Nature of Natural Disasters: The Impact of Catastrophic Events on Economics of Disasters and Climate Change 4, 223–247. https://doi. the Gender Gap in Life Expectancy 1981–2002.” Annals of the org/10.1007/s41885-020-00060-5. Association of American Geographers 97. https://www.tandfonline. com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1467-8306.2007.00563.x?scroll=top&needA Insurance Development Forum. 2020. The Development Impact of ccess=true. Risk Analytics. https://www.insdevforum.org/report-development- impact-risk-analytics. Nour, Nawal. N. 2011. “Maternal Health Considerations During Disaster Relief.” Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 4(1), 22–27. IUCN. 2020. “Addressing issues of gender and social inclusion in sustainable ecosystem management in Guyana.” IUCN (blog), Severin, Petya, and Barbara Jacobs Small. 2016. Knowledge Attitude, Practices/Behaviour (KAP/B) Study on Climate Change: Saint Lucia June 16, 2020. https://www.iucn.org/news/gender/202006/ Baseline Study 2016. UNDP J-CCCP. https://www.adaptation-undp. addressing-issues-gender-and-social-inclusion-sustainable-ecosystem- org/sites/default/files/resources /knowledge_attitude_practices_ management-guyana. behaviour_kapb_study_on_climate_change_st.lucia_final.pdf. Joseph–Brown, Lynette S., and Dawn Tuiloma–Sua. 2012. Integrating Small, Joshua. 2013. “The Gendered Effects of Climate Change on Gender in Disaster Risk Management in Small Island Developing Livestock Farmers in the Caribbean.” In Gender, Climate Change and States: A Guide. Barbados: UNDP and OECS. https://www.undp.org/ Disaster Risk Management, edited by Leith Dunn, 30–34. Kingston, content/undp/en/home/librarypage/ crisis-prevention-and-recovery/ Jamaica: Institute of Gender and Development Studies. integrating-gender-in-disaster-management-in-small-island-develo. html. UNISDR. 2005. Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. https:// www.unisdr.org/2005/wcdr/intergover/official-doc/L-docs/Hyogo- Kerr, Kevon. 2013. “Climate Change and Natural Disaster Risk framework-for-action-english.pdf. Management in Coastal Areas: Agender Perspective.” In Gender, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, edited by Leith UNISDR. 2009. The Disaster Risk Reduction Process: A L Dunn, 44–49. Kingston, Jamaica: Institute of Gender and Gender Perspective. Geneva, Switzerland: Gender and Development Studies. Disasters Network. p.24.https://www.unisdr.org/files/9922_ MakingDisasterRiskReductionGenderSe.pdf. Mendoza, Patricia B. 2019. Toward Improving Caribbean SIDS Policy, Legislative and Regulatory Frameworks, Implementation and UNISDR. 2015. Annual Report 2015, Biennium Work Programme Monitoring and Reporting Approaches to Gender Mainstreaming Final Report. Geneva: UNISDR. https://www.preventionweb.net/ into Selected Sectors of Water Resources Management and Climate- files/48588_unisdrannualreport2015evs.pdf. Related Events and Disaster Risk Reduction. UNDESA. https://www. World Bank. 2011. Gender Equality and Development. Washington, cepal.org/sites/default/files/events/files/draft_background_paper_ D.C.: World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/ caribbean_sids_framework_for_gender_mainstreming_in_water_for_ handle/10986/4391. drr.pdf. | 11 | Cook and waitress at the Seabird Cafe, Soufriere, Dominica. Photo: George H.H. Huey/Alamy Stock Photo. Gender gaps at the country and regional levels and the associated disaster impacts 2 This section addresses the population and disaster risk profiles of Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname, followed by an analysis of their gender gaps related to human capital endowments, economic opportunities, and voice and agency as well as the associated disaster impacts. | 12 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Key findings • Women in the CRF countries experience various gaps in access to health, social protection, vocational and technical education, productive resources, economic opportunities, and voice and agency, all of which are associated with their increased vulnerability to disasters and climate change hazards. • Although indicators for educational attainment—measured as the number of years of education—are almost the same for men and women in the CRF countries, a significant gender gap persists at the level of technical and vocational programs that might prevent women from improving their access to income-earning opportunities, particularly in the recovery and reconstruction programs in post-disaster settings. • Among health indicators, maternal mortality rates present an area of particular concern, with five countries—Guyana, Suriname, Saint Lucia, Dominica, and Jamaica—demonstrating higher maternal mortality rates than a regional level. At the same time, strong evidence shows that in resource-poor nations, disasters make women more vulnerable to reproductive and sexual health problems, suggesting the necessity to include women’s health as a critical component of disaster relief programs. • An analysis of social indicators in the CRF countries demonstrates various gender gaps in social protection, all of which make women more vulnerable to disaster impacts due to their lower safety nets compared to men. • Women’s domestic burdens and their primary responsibility for the well-being of their families limit their economic opportunities and increase burdens imposed on them in disaster situations. • Higher unemployment rates, access to fewer economic opportunities, lower wages, vulnerable employment, and insufficient social support systems for domestic workers result in women’s limited access to safety nets compared to men, making them more vulnerable in disaster situations. • Although there are no exact statistics about the number of women in DRM and climate change- related decision-making positions, a general trend, based on the number of women in national parliaments, and ministerial and managerial positions, points to significant decision-making gender gaps, with Belize and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines demonstrating the worst results. • Country reports from the CRF countries provide evidence of persistent violence due to inadequate protection measures for GBV victims, limited responsive care, treatment, psychosocial and other supportive services, and sub-culturally institutionalized violent practices. Importantly, the trend exacerbates during disasters and in post-disaster settings. • A lack of focus prevails with men and boys’ vulnerability and capacity analyses, compounded by limited efforts to engage men and boys adequately as allies to achieve gender equality in disaster preparedness and recovery. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 13 | 2.1. Population and disaster risk the regional and sub-regional levels (World Bank n.d.). profiles of the Caribbean countries Overall, women, children, and the elderly represent a significant proportion of the vulnerable populations in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, disaster situations. Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname share a number of characteristics that INFORM, a multi-stakeholder forum for developing make them vulnerable to external threats, including small quantitative analysis of crises and disasters calculated populations, limited economies of scale, and undiversified the risk indictors of 2020 from various natural hazards— economies. Table 2.1 shows GDP per capita and select earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, tropical cyclones, drought, population indicators in the nine countries under and epidemics. INFORM risk indicators use a scale of 0 to consideration. 10, with the lowest score of 0 and the highest score of 10. The COVID-19 Risk Index was included because the The GDP per capita in these countries varies significantly pandemic can significantly complicate challenges caused from US$4,815 in Belize to US$17,790 in Antigua and by disasters such as power outages, blocking roads, Barbuda; and only three countries (Antigua and Barbuda, disrupting emergency services, and closures of stores and Grenada, and Saint Lucia) have GDP per capita above pharmacies, among other negative impacts (table 2.2). Table 2.1. GDP per capita and select population indicators at the country and regional levels in 2019. Population, GDP per Population, Girls, ages Boys, ages ages 65 capita, Proportion ages 0–14, 0–14 (% 0–14 (% and above (current Population of female (% of total of female of male (% of total Country US$) total population population) population) population) population) Antigua and Barbuda 17,790 97,118 51.8 22.0 20.9 23.1 9.1 Belize 4,815 390,353 50.2 29.7 29.1 30.3 4.9 Dominica 8,300 71,808 49.1 ... ... ... ... Grenada 10,966 112,003 49.6 23.7 23.3 24.1 9.7 Guyana 5,468 782,766 49.8 27.9 27.4 28.4 6.7 Jamaica 5,582 2,948,279 50.4 23.5 22.9 24.2 8.9 Saint Lucia 11,611 182,790 50.8 18.2 17.7 18.7 10.0 St. Vincent and the 7,464 110,589 49.3 22.2 22.3 22.1 9.7 Grenadines Suriname 6,855 581,372 49.7 26.9 26.1 27.7 7.0 Caribbean small states 10,308 7,401,381 50.4 23.5 22.8 24.1 9.0 Latin America and Caribbean 8,847 646,430,841 50.8 24.2 23.3 25.1 8.7 Source: World Development Indicators (database), World Bank, Washington, D.C., https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world-development-indicators. Note: No data is indicated as ... | 14 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Table 2.2. INFORM Risk Indices related to natural hazards and COVID-19 in 2020. Tropical Natural COVID-19 INFORM Country Earthquake Flood Tsunami Cyclone Drought Epidemic hazards risk risk Antigua and Barbuda 5.2 0.1 0 8.4 0 3.5 3.7 3.6 2.4 Belize 2.4 8.4 5.3 7.2 1 4.6 5.4 3.8 3.7 Dominica 4 0.1 8.5 7.6 0 3.8 4.9 4.2 3.4 Grenada 3.5 0.1 0 1.7 0.5 3.6 1.7 3.6 1.8 Guyana 0.1 4.8 6.7 0 4.2 5.2 3.9 3.7 3.3 Jamaica 9.1 3.1 0 7.2 2.4 5.2 5.4 4.1 3.1 Saint Lucia 4.3 0.1 0 4.7 0.5 4.5 2.6 3.9 2.3 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 5.1 0.1 0 4.3 0.5 4.1 2.6 4.1 2 Suriname 0.1 8.6 3.2 0 1.5 5.2 3.9 3.6 3.2 Source: The data for this table were derived from INFORM 2020 (database). https://drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/inform-index/INFORM-Risk/Results-and-data/moduleId/1782/ id/386/controller/Admin/action/Results Note: Red cells demonstrate those countries whose indicators are assigned to a high- or very high-risk group; yellow cells mean a medium-risk group; and green cells represent countries belonging to a very low- or low-risk group in the INFORM Database (2020). All nine countries are located within the medium-risk 2.2. Gender gaps related to human group for COVID-19. This suggests that COVID-19 might capital endowments and the have severe consequences for the countries’ disaster associated disaster impacts preparedness and recovery efforts, disrupting health services and health infrastructure as well as making social 2.2.1. Gender gaps in access to education and the distancing more difficult in shelters and among people associated disaster impacts displaced by natural hazards. Consequently, shelter Understanding gender gaps in access to education is managers and public health professionals need to develop important when designing gender-responsive disaster and implement special measures to reduce the possible preparedness and recovery policies and programs. In spread of COVID-19 among disaster survivors who seek Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), one-third of safety in shelters. the population does not have access to education (Bliss 2009). According to data collected by the Caribbean The total INFORM Risk Index comprises three components: Development Bank, 25 percent of the region’s children— natural and human hazards, vulnerability (vulnerable mainly those from poor, rural, and vulnerable families—do groups with limited access to social protection and health not have access to education during critical developmental care), and lack of coping capacity at the country level. years (CARICOM 2018). Strong gender disparities within Three countries, Belize, Dominica, and Suriname have indigenous communities also exist between men and higher INFORM risk indices (located within the medium- women in access to education (World Bank 2020a). risk group), compared to the other six countries in the low- risk group (table 2.2). In Belize, Dominica, and Suriname While gender parity in education is on track throughout disaster impacts might be more devastating for vulnerable much of the Caribbean, inequalities persist in the populations, compared to other countries with lower risk education sector. Indicators for educational attainment indicators. The desk review will focus on women as one measured as the number of years of education (mean) of the largest vulnerable groups to demonstrate how are almost the same for men and women in the CRF existing inequalities are exacerbated during emergency countries (table 2.3). However, at the level of technical situations, resulting in more burdensome impacts of and vocational programs, men’s enrollment is significantly disasters on vulnerable people. higher compared to women’s enrollment in these countries (UNESCO n.d.). Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 15 | Table 2.3. Educational attainment, vocational education of men and women, and out-of-school rates for primary and secondary education. Proportion of persons aged Out-of-school rate for 15-24 enrolled in vocational primary and secondary Years of education of men training (%); 2018 or the latest education (%); 2018 or the  Country aged 25+ (mean), 2015 year available latest available Female Male Female Male Total Antigua and Barbuda 13.8 12.7 1.24 2.26 2.9 Belize 8.8 9.0 2.44 3.33 10.2 Dominica 11.0 10.4 ... ... 4.03 Grenada 8.8 8.9 1.08 2.06 ... Guyana 9.8 9.8 1.16 1.25 ... Jamaica 10.9 10.3 ... ... 17.9 Saint Lucia 10.5 10.0 0.14 0.64 7.8 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 8.6 8.7 ... ... 4.6 Suriname 2.9 3.8 17.1 19.73 18.1 Caribbean Small Island states 8.8 9.2 ... ... ... Latin America and Caribbean 8.1 8.2 6.73 6.50 9.5 Sources: Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation 2017; UNESCO Institute for Statistics (database), http://data.uis.unesco.org/ Note: No data is indicated as ... In Latin America and the Caribbean, one significant (ibid.). This trend is behind occupational segregation and success is the achievement of parity in primary school gender wage gaps in the labor market (ibid.), contributing enrollment (UNESCO n.d.). Secondary school enrollment to women’s vulnerability before and after a disaster. is still far from universal, with the gap in most countries However, out-of-school rates differ significantly among (ibid.), paradoxically, affecting boys rather than girls. the CRF countries under consideration. Similarly, in tertiary education, it is notable that a greater proportion of women enroll than men (World Bank Equal access to education for all genders can contribute 2020a). The higher educational achievements of girls, positively to reducing vulnerability and enabling greater however, do not yet translate to a higher participation adaptive capacity to disasters in the short- and long- in the labor market and in closing of the wage gap (CBD term through direct and indirect ways. Formal education 2015b), exacerbating their vulnerability in disasters. and training help individuals acquire knowledge, skills, and competencies that will immediately improve their In many parts of the world, it is the girls and women who adaptive capacity in the face of disasters, for instance, are denied access to basic education. In the Caribbean, through better understanding of warnings, preparations, however, it is men and boys who have fallen behind, with and responses. Further, with additional socio-economic higher out-of-school rates as well as under achievement resources, applied education translates into enhanced and under participation of the boys, particularly at the adaptive capacity because society is much better higher levels of the education systems that take highly organized, better resourced, and more efficient when visible forms of male unemployment, “liming on the dealing with and recovering from such disasters (Muttarak block”1, violence, and crime (CDB 2016b). Challenges and Lutz 2014). are not limited to boys, as girls also drop out because of teenage pregnancy, and later encounter problems re- Given that disasters affect populations involved in every entering the formal education and training system. These level of education, during the preparedness phase, basic issues are compounded by gender stereotyping in subject government services should focus on fully activating the selection, particularly in skills development programs, and vision of “building back better”. The government should inadequate gender sensitization of managers and teachers take leadership roles regarding strategies to secure access | 16 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility to education for all children and young adults. When the boys, and affect how they prepare for and recover from education sector is poorly prepared to recover quickly from a disaster (Arnold and de Cosmo 2015). In Latin America a disaster, the impact on children and young people can be and the Caribbean, around one-third of the population severe. Some disruptive consequences are child marriage lack access to health care (Bliss 2009). This inequality is and pregnancy, trafficking and labor exploitation, and not only because of the absence of socio-cultural and permanent drop out from the educational system. For geographic accessibility, but also on account of income these and other reasons, it is paramount that national inequalities, with the poor and vulnerable having worse governments respond quickly to restore provision of observed health outcomes than the rich (World Bank education in the aftermath of a disaster. The longer-term 2015). The reproductive health services that are most goal should be to rebuild the system to prepare better for unequally distributed among women by socioeconomic and mitigate against known vulnerabilities and hazards status, ethnicity, and age are prenatal care, skilled birth (GFDRR 2019). attendance for delivery, and family planning. These disparities, which have many complex causes, including Education responses must also address needs through poverty, poor education, disempowerment, weak health a whole-of-sector approach. Consideration of each systems, and gender discrimination, lead to poor health education sub-sector is required at every phase of outcomes (GFDRR, PAHO, and WHO 2017). recovery, response and preparedness. This includes early childhood care and development, and primary, secondary, In Latin America and the Caribbean, progress toward the non-formal, and tertiary education (GFDRR 2019). Each improvement of the health of women, men, girls, and education sub-sector presents important opportunities boys is mixed (ibid.). Life expectancy, an overall indicator of to empower people and enhance human and societal a population’s health, increased on average in the region capacity by reducing vulnerability and strengthening from 71 to 78 years for women and from 65 to 72 years adaptive capacity (Frankenberg et al. 2013). for men between 1990 and 2017 (UN 2017). Maternal mortality ratios were nearly halved between 1990 and 2.2.2. Gender gaps in access to health and the 2017 from 136 to 74 per 100,000 live births (ibid.) (figure associated disaster impacts 2.1). Within the Caribbean countries, indigenous and Poor health status and lack of access to health care rural women have maternal mortality rates that are twice increase the vulnerability of women, men, girls, and or thrice the national average (World Bank 2020a). Figure 2.1. Maternal mortality ratio per 100,000 live births at the country and regional levels. Guyana 169 Suriname 120 Saint Lucia 117 Dominica 92 Caribbean small states 88 Jamaica 80 Latin America and the Caribbean 74 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 68 Antigua and Barbuda 42 Belize 36 Grenada 25 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 Source: Gender Data Portal (database), World Bank, Washington, D.C., https://datatopics.worldbank.org/gender/ Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 17 | Fertility rates in the region have decreased by 28 percent In terms of disaster recovery and “building back better” from 2.9 children in 1994 to 2.1 children per mother in outcomes, the aim should be to restore the health system 2014 (OECD 2017). Women and girls have poor access to its pre-disaster condition while also addressing the to contraception and reproductive health services and underlying vulnerabilities that may have contributed information, and teenage pregnancy brings with it high to the extent of the disaster’s effects. Such measures risks of maternal death (Frost, Frohwirth, and Zolna 2014). will strengthen the resilience of the health system and The experience of early pregnancy and motherhood communities so that they can better manage future follows a woman through her life, tending to lower her disasters and their risks to the health sector (GFDRR n.d.). education achievement and job opportunities. As a result, adolescent mothers are exposed to situations of greater 2.2.3. Gender gaps in social protection and the vulnerability such as disasters, and a repetition of patterns associated disaster impacts of poverty and social inclusion (World Bank 2020a). Women have less access to social security benefits over the course of their working lives compared to men because Detrimental gender norms affect men and boys by of the gendered labor division in the Caribbean countries encouraging risk taking and limiting health-seeking (ILO 2018c). Specifically, as most social protection benefits behaviors. With an estimated 260,000 people living with are based on national insurance contributions paid HIV, the Caribbean region has some of the highest HIV- by employees and employers, women are often more prevalence levels in the world, particularly among key disadvantaged in terms of coverage than men (ibid.). populations such as sex workers and men who have sex Women are less covered by pensions in Antigua and with men (USAID 2015). Social stigmas and discrimination Barbuda, Dominica, and Jamaica (table 2.4). In the 2020 are widely recognized as undermining efforts to prevent Women, Business, and the Law database, these countries the spread of HIV, and pose crucial barriers to accessing received a score of 75, on a scale ranging from 0 (the care and treatment services, particularly for persons lowest) to 100 (the highest) (World Bank 2020b). already living with HIV (ibid.). The persistence of GBV also With limited access to economic opportunities, women negatively contributes to men, women, girls, and boys’ in the Caribbean countries tend to hold vulnerable health outcomes, including unwanted pregnancy, sexually employment. The latter is defined as the sum of own- transmitted diseases, post-traumatic stress disorder, and account workers who hold self-employed jobs and alcohol and drug use (WHO 2013). are contributing family workers (ILO 2009). Both own- account and contributing family workers are more likely Disaster preparedness should include an analysis of the to have informal work arrangements and lack decent potential risks and vulnerabilities of the country’s health working conditions. They are also less likely to contribute system to mitigate the gender-differentiated effects of to pension plans and other social insurance programs disasters in the health sector. Such an analysis would for themselves, and therefore, they generally lack social contain: (i) social determinants of health that could lead protection and safety nets. As table 2.4 shows, around to increased marginalization and discrimination in access 30 percent of the employed women in Belize, Guyana, to health services, particularly, but not limited to, poverty, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia held vulnerable employment in ethnicity, religion, and gender; (ii) pre-existing health risks 2019 (ILO n.d.). and the presence of diseases with epidemic potential; and (iii) the existence of GBV and marginalized or Furthermore, a report by the International Labour disadvantaged sub-groups or both of the population with Organisation provides evidence that in the Caribbean a special risk profile (GFDRR n.d.). Public health scholars countries, social norms support a system where women also acknowledge that better mitigation of negative are primarily responsible for domestic work and for taking disaster impacts is contingent on a better understanding care of children, the disabled, and the elderly (ILO 2018c). of the socially constructed vulnerabilities of specific At the same time, the CRF countries have not introduced groups of affected people (Neumayer and Plümper 2007). any formalized processes to collect data on unpaid | 18 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Table 2.4. Select indicators related to social protection. Vulnerable employment, female (% of female Country Pension employment), 2019 Maternity leave Paternity leave Antigua and Barbuda 75 ... 13 weeks n/a Belize 100 29.9 14 weeks n/a Dominica 75 ... 12 weeks n/a Grenada 100 ... 12 weeks n/a Guyana 100 28.5 13 weeks n/a Jamaica 75 30.6 12 weeks n/a Saint Lucia 100 26.0 13 weeks n/a St. Vincent and the Grenadines 100 17.1 13 weeks n/a Suriname 100 9.9 12 weeks in the public sector n/a Sources: World Bank 2020b; ILOSTAT (database). https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/; Pautassi and Nieves Rico 2011. Note: No data is indicated as ... domestic work. Since unpaid domestic workers generally Jamaica’s social protection system, for example, is based do not make contributions to the national insurance on a combination of various social protection tools schemes, which are based on mandatory employees and targeting women, the poor, and other vulnerable groups. employers’ contributions, they are not eligible to receive It proved effective as the country’s approach to disaster social benefits from these schemes. resilience (Williams et al. 2016). Apart from the national contributory insurance scheme, Jamaica implemented the Women’s domestic burdens and their primary responsibility Program for Advancement Through Health and Education for the well-being of their families limit their economic (PATH). Through this program, many affected households opportunities and increase burdens imposed on them received cash transfers after Hurricane Dean in 2007 in disaster situations. For example, a study conducted and Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (ibid.). Other Caribbean by the Caribbean Development Bank in Saint Vincent countries have also introduced various cash transfer and the Grenadines found that housewives, female programs as a safety net for disaster events; however, farmers, students, and unemployed young women were they are often characterized by a low delivery capacity particularly stressed after the December 2013 floods that and weak institutional coordination (ibid.) that suggests a aggravated their pre-existing economic challenges (CDB 2015a). At the same time, Caribbean governments have dire need for their improvements to enhance social safety not introduced any legal provisions to support a more nets of vulnerable groups in disaster settings. even distribution of household work among men and women. For instance, although women are eligible to maternity leave ranging from 12 to 14 weeks depending 2.3. Gender gaps in economic on a country (table 2.4), no legal provisions for paternity opportunities and the associated leave exist in any of these countries (Pautassi and Nieves disaster impacts Rico 2011). An essential component in the design of gender-responsive Overall, social protection and labor programs in the DRM policies and programs in the Caribbean countries, CRF countries vary significantly in their level of maturity, is a clear understanding of its economic opportunities of particularly in response to natural hazards. They generally women. All countries demonstrate higher rates of male include cash transfer programs, in-kind transfers, public participation in the labor force compared to women works programs, and contributory insurance schemes. (figure 2.2). (Gender Data Portal n.d.). Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 19 | Figure 2.2. Country-level and regional gender gaps in labor force participation. 90 80.8 79.5 78.2 77.1 75.2 73.4 72.6 80 71.1 70.2 71.0 Labor force participation (%) 66.6 66.2 65.4 64.4 70 58.5 55.7 52.4 60 48.8 47.7 45.1 44.3 42.4 50 40 30 20 10 0 a e a da a ca ia s e s C ne te ud liz ic an am LA uc ai na in ta di Be uy rb m tL rin om ls re na Ja Ba G in al G Su re D Sa sm d G an e an th ua be d ig rib an nt Ca A nt ce in .V St Source: The figure is based on the data derived from the Gender Data Portal (database), World Bank, Washington, D.C. https://datatopics.worldbank.org/gender/ n Female labor participation (% of female population ages 15+), 2008 or the latest year available n Male labor participation (% of male population ages 15+), 2008 or the latest year available In these countries, women also tend to have higher construction sector and infrastructure rehabilitation unemployment rates than men (CDB 2016b). Female (ibid.). Although both genders are affected by loss of unemployment rates in the CRF countries (from 9.7% employment, housing, crops, and assets in the aftermath in Belize to 23.3% in Saint Lucia) were higher than the of disasters, the gendered division of labor makes women related sub-regional indicator (9.6%) for the Caribbean less likely to obtain immediate means of securing a small states in 2019 (Gender Data Portal n.d.). In addition, livelihood compared to men (ibid.). a regional study shows that women in these countries are more likely to work in the informal sector and occupy Furthermore, female-headed households are more positions in the lower paying sectors of the economies vulnerable to the impacts of hazards as they tend to due to sex stereotyping, occupational segregation, and be poorer than other households, particularly in rural gender gaps in vocational education (CDB 2016b). areas (ILO 2018c). Poverty negatively affects capacity for managing shocks. In addition, Caribbean women The gendered labor division and limited access to have less access to land, productive resources, and productive resources exacerbate in disaster situations. credit compared to men (CDB 2016b). Jamaica’s The 2004 gendered impact assessment of Hurricane assessment of the socioeconomic and environmental Ivan in Grenada, for example, showed that women were impact of Hurricane Ivan showed that women and more marginalized in the post-disaster labor market children were among the most affected groups (ECLAC (ECLAC, UNIFEM, and UNDP 2005). Women’s higher 2004). Poor female households also have a higher unemployment rates in post-disaster settings can also chance to lose their houses in disaster events because be attributed to new economic opportunities that are of their low quality or bad location. Thus, Jamaica’s often concentrated in the historically male-dominated assessment indicated that female-headed households | 20 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility were overrepresented in each category of damages: and influence political processes and governance houses completely destroyed, severely damaged, and mechanisms” (GFDRR 2016). Gender-differentiated partially damaged. Overall, higher unemployment rates, disaster impacts point to the importance of women’s access to fewer economic opportunities, lower wages, participation in decision-making processes in DRM vulnerable employment, and insufficient social support and climate change policy making as well as in the systems for domestic workers result in women’s limited implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the access to safety nets compared to men, and make them related programs and initiatives. Governments in the CRF more vulnerable in disaster situations. countries do not have exact statistics on the number of women in DRM and climate change decision-making 2.4. Gender gaps related to voice and processes. Also, inclusion of women and women’s organizations in policy-making consultations are not fully agency and the associated disaster institutionalized in these countries. Overall, in the nine impacts countries, the number of women in decision-making Voice and agency can be defined “as freedom from positions (national parliaments, and ministerial and violence and the ability to participate in decision making, managerial positions) remains relatively low (table 2.5). Table 2.5. Select decision-making indicators at the country and regional levels. Proportion Proportion Share of Share of Share of of seats held of women in women women women Share of by women ministerial in middle in junior in senior women in in national level management management management top executive parliaments positions (%), positions (%), positions (%), positions (%), positions (%),  Country (%), 2019 2019 2017 2017 2017 2017 Antigua and Barbuda 11.1 15.4 37 38 45 25 Belize 9.4 6.3 21 20 27 6 Dominica 25.0 31.3 2 23 50 13 Grenada 46.7 41.7 32 50 40 20 Guyana 31.9 40.0 28 25 26 20 Jamaica 17.5 23.5 50 50 40 33 Saint Lucia 16.7 15.4 28 25 32 18 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 13.0 0.0 24 17 11 4 Suriname 31.4 17.6 30 30 25 10 Caribbean small island states 22.6 22.3 30 30 30 10 LAC 31.7 29.2  ...  ... ... ... n Countries that have lower proportions of women in decision-making positions. Sources: Gender Data Portal (database); ILO 2018d. Note: No data is indicated as ... Indicators in red cells (table 2.5) demonstrate those Research on gender and DMR highlights the benefits of countries that have lower proportions of women in increasing the role of women and other vulnerable groups decision-making positions, compared to the related in decision making (Arnold and de Cosmo 2015). For regional or sub-regional indicators. In the Caribbean instance, due to the crucial role that women and girls play countries, key barriers to women’s participation in decision in household water collection and management, they are making include social beliefs that men are more suited disproportionately affected by lack of access to adequate to leadership, consistent with the reproductive roles of drinking water, particularly during droughts (GoG 2019). women, and challenges caused by an uneven distribution This is why their involvement in decision-making processes of caring responsibilities (ILO 2018c). about water supply and necessary improvements in the Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 21 | related infrastructure projects can enhance resilience at due to inadequate protection measures for GBV victims, the household and community levels. Jamaica’s climate limited responsive care, treatment, psychosocial and change projects also show the benefits of involving other supportive services, sub-culturally institutionalized women in community hazard mapping because they violence practices, among other factors (CDB 2016b; UN help identify more effectively high-risk areas and critical Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against facilities and infrastructure that might be affected in a Women 2007). According to the authors’ calculations, disaster event (ODPEM 2015). Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines experienced a rate of Another important aspect of improving women’s agency rape above the unweighted average of the 73 countries and decision-making power is reducing their vulnerability in the United Nations Survey of Crime Trends in 2017 to violence. Country reports from the Caribbean countries (figure 2.3). under consideration provide evidence of persistent violence Figure 2.3. Sexual violence in select Caribbean countries with available data. Grenada 179.5 Dominica 135.7 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 98.7 Antigua and Barbuda 87 Jamaica 54.7 Belize 41 0 50 100 150 200 Source: The figure is based on the data derived from UNODC n.d., the United Nations Survey of Crime Trends (database), https://dataunodc.un.org/data/crime/sexual-violence. During disaster situations, women and girls are at an Notes increased risk for GBV and domestic abuse, trafficking, “Liming on the block” refers to the art of doing nothing while sharing food, drink, conversation, and laughter, which constitutes an and forced marriages (Nour 2011). For instance, in the important part of island culture. course of the socio-economic assessment conducted after Hurricane Dean in Belize, many women expressed concern References Arnold, Margaret, and Sergio de Cosmo. 2015. Building Social and anxiety about their male partners’ unemployment Resilience: Protecting and Empowering Those Most at Risk. because it increased the chance of their alcohol abuse Washington, D.C.: GFDRR. https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/ publication/Building-Social-Resilience-Protecting-and-Empowering- and violence against female members of the household in Those-Most-at-Risk.pdf. the post-disaster situation (ECLAC and UNDP 2007). Also, Bliss, Katherine. 2009. Health in Latin America and the Caribbean: since disasters exacerbate economic conditions of women Challenges and Opportunities for U.S. Engagement. A Report of the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Washington, D.C.: and other marginalized groups, they become more Global Health Policy Center. https://csis-website-prod.s3.amazonaws. vulnerable to different forms of exploitation, including com/s3fs-public/legacy_files/files/media/csis/pubs/090422_bliss_ sexual abuse for food, shelter, and even security (Nour healthlatinamer_web.pdf. 2011). Violence is also common in shelters and camps CARICOM. 2018. CDB, UNICEF Partner to Improve Quality of Early Childhood Education in the Caribbean. https://caricom.org/cdb- because of lack of protection and support for women, unicef-partner-to-improve-quality-of-early-childhood-education-in- alcohol and drug abuse, and general lawlessness among the-caribbean/. other factors (Committee on Health Care for Underserved CDB. 2015a. Country Gender Assessment: Saint Vincent and the Women 2010). It is critical to provide safe environments Grenadines. Caribbean Development Bank. https://www.caribank. org/publication_types/corporate-evaluations/disaster-management- and establish the rule of law in shelters for disaster strategy-and-operational-guidelines-2009-2018. survivors particularly so for the protection of women and other vulnerable individuals in emergency situations. | 22 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility CBD. 2015b. Gender Implementation Guidelines (GIG) for the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation 2017. Global Educational Design and Implementation of Education Sector Development Plans. Attainment 1970–2015 (database). http://ghdx.healthdata.org/ Saint Michael, Barbados: Caribbean Development Bank. https:// record/global-educational-attainment-1970-2015. www.caribank.org/publications-and-resources/resource-library/ Muttarak, Raya, and Wolfgang Lutz. 2014. “Is Education a Key to guides-and-toolkits/gender-implementation-guidelines-design-and- Reducing Vulnerability to Natural Disasters and Hence Unavoidable implementation-education-sector-development-plans. Climate Change? Ecology and Society 19(1). http://dx.doi. Committee on Health Care for Underserved Women. 2010. Preparing org/10.5751/ES-06476-190142. for Disasters: Perspectives on Women. Washington, DC: American Neumayer, Eric, and Thomas Plümper. 2007. “The Gendered College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog. 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Paris: OECD. https://www.oecd.org/ Frankenberg, E., Bondan Sikoki, C. Sumantri, Wayan Suriastini, and dev/development-gender/Brochure_SIGI_LAC_web.pdf. D. Thomas. 2013. “Education, Vulnerability, and Resilience after Pautassi, Laura, and María Nieves Rico. 2011. “Childcare Leave: A a Natural Disaster.” Ecology and Society 18(2):16. http://dx.doi. Right of Children and Parents.” Challenges, Childcare and Parental org/10.5751/es-05377-180216. Leave: ECLAC/UNICEF. https://repositorio.cepal.org/bitstream/ Frost, Jennifer J, Lori F. Frohwirth and Mia R. Zolna. 2014. handle/11362/35981/1/challenges_12_eclac-unicef_es.pdf. Contraceptive Needs and Services. Guttmacher Institute. https:// UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women www.guttmacher.org/report/contraceptive-needs-and-services-2014- (CEDAW). 2007. Concluding Comments of the Committee on the update. Elimination of Discrimination against Women: Belize. https://www. Gender Data Portal (database). n.d. World Bank, Washington, D.C. refworld.org/docid/46d280fc0.html. https://datatopics.worldbank.org/gender/. UNESCO Institute for Statistics. n.d. Education (database), http://data. GFDRR. n.d. Social Sector: Health. PDNA Guidelines: Volume B. uis.unesco.org/. https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/gfdrr/files/WB_UNDP_PDNA_Health_SP_ United Nations. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, FINAL.pdf. Population Division (2017). World Mortality 2017 – Data Booklet (ST/ GFDRR. 2019. Country Profile for Dominica. Washington, D.C.: World ESA/SER.A/412). Bank. https://www.gfdrr.org/en/region/dominica. USAID. 2015. “Building Capacity for Improved Health Policy, GFDRR. 2019b. Education Sector Recovery. Disaster Recovery Advocacy, Governance, and Finance.” Health Policy Project, Guidance Series. Prepared by Ritesh Shah, Chris Henderson, and Caribbean Region. http://www.healthpolicyproject.com/index. Daniel Couch. 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Closing Gender Gaps in Latin America and lima/---sro-port_of_spain/documents/publication/wcms_651944.pdf the Caribbean. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. http://documents1. ILO. n.d. ILOSTAT database. https://ilostat.ilo.org/data/. worldbank.org/curated/en/484401532010525429/pdf/Closing- Gender-Gaps-in-Latin-America-and-the-Caribbean.pdf. ILO. 2009. Guide to the New Millennium Development Goals: Employment Indicators. Geneva: ILO. https://www.ilo.org/public/ World Bank. 2020b. Women, Business and the Law 2020. english/employment/download/mdg_en.pdf. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/978-1-4648- 1532-4. ILO. 2018d. Women in Business and Management: Gaining Momentum in the Caribbean. Geneva: ILO. https://www.ilo.org/ World Bank. n.d. World Development Indicators, World Bank, wcmsp5/groups/public/---americas/---ro-lima/---sro-port_of_spain/ Washington, D.C., https://databank.worldbank.org/source/world- documents/publication/wcms_645701.pdf. development-indicators. INFORM. 2020. INFORM Risk Results and Data (database). https:// WHO. 2013. World Health Statistics. Italy: World drmkc.jrc.ec.europa.eu/inform-index/INFORM-Risk/Results-and-data/ Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/ moduleId/1782/id/386/controller/Admin/action/Results. handle/10665/81965/9789241564588_eng.pdf;jsessionid= 2BEEC27989BBE5F016E057284C58FC19?sequence=1. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 23 | Petite Goave, Haiti. Photo: Christian Kober 1 / Alamy Stock Photo Integration of gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment into disaster preparedness and recovery efforts: The desk review’s key findings 3 This section summarizes the desk review’s key findings on the integration of gender considerations into disaster preparedness and recovery efforts in Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname. It is based on individual country profiles that can found in the appendixes. The individual country profiles are structured along: (i) national policies on gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV; (ii) national and sector DRM and climate change laws, plans, and policies and the status of their gender integration; (iii) implementation and practice; (iv) advocacy and knowledge generation; (v) women’s participation and leadership; and (vi) gaps and recommendations. This section presents a comparative analysis of these countries, focusing on existing gaps in legislature, policy implementation, advocacy and education campaigns as well as women’s participation and leadership. | 24 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Key findings • An analysis of the nine individual country profiles demonstrates a lack of systematic and consistent gender assessments and gender analyses in most disaster and climate change-related policies, plans, and strategies, with limited monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support gender-mainstreaming initiatives and track their progress. • Lack or insufficient data disaggregated by sex, age, and other key variables of vulnerable groups is one of the key challenges experienced in all nine countries. • The intersectional approach lacks in most policies, strategies, and plans implicating DRM and climate change that invariably treat women as a homogenous group, and focus on their singular identity without any analysis of their multiple vulnerabilities. • The desk review’s analysis points to limited efforts of national governments to integrate child and gender sensitivity into ongoing public programs as well as a lack of awareness raising campaigns about the importance of gender-sensitive budgeting. • A lack of incentives prevails at the national level to increase the number of women in decision- making positions connected to DRM and climate change resilience, which reinforces the existing gender gaps related to agency and voice. • Another gender gap linked to voice and agency manifests itself in insufficient inclusion of GBV and DV provisions in disaster-related policies as well as insufficient measures that would ensure a safe environment for women, children, and other vulnerable individuals living in shelters. • All nine countries experience a dire need to increase human and financial resources provided to the countries’ national gender machineries to support gender mainstreaming. • Women’s organizations, and other CSOs and NGOs which address critical issues affecting women, children, the elderly, minority groups, and people with disabilities are not fully involved in the policy-making process of DRM and climate change. • In countries with available data, significant gender gaps and other inefficiencies were observed in early warning systems, including lack of gender-specific measures. • An analysis of the available surveys on climate change points to gender disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral practices toward climate change and limited gender- responsive public information and education campaigns for disaster preparedness and recovery. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 25 | 3.1. National policies on gender groups such as “children, aged, disabled, and infirmed” equality, women and girls’ persons (GoCD 2014). Guyana’s National Gender and Social Inclusion Policy expands the scope of the integration empowerment, and GBV of gender and environmental issues to include the Among the CRF countries featured in this desk review, agricultural sector and climate change adaptation (GoGy significant differences are evident in their progress on 2018). Apart from general commitments, Suriname’s gender mainstreaming and the integration of gender Gender Vision Policy Document includes long-term considerations into DRM and climate change policies actions and interventions related to integrating gender (table 3.1). Only six out of the nine Caribbean countries considerations into environmental and climate change have adopted their national gender policies. However, programs (Ministry of Home Affairs 2019b). Antigua and Barbuda has developed a draft of its National Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan, which is under In comparison, Grenada’s Gender Equality Policy and consideration. Action Plan contains a more advanced approach, with a detailed policy section on climate change, natural disasters, The content among the existing national gender policies and natural resource management, accompanied by a varies significantly on special provisions for DRM and similar section in the policy’s action plan (GoG 2014a). climate change. Jamaica’s National Policy for Gender These sections contain five specific commitments: (i) Equality, for example, states its commitment to involve strengthening the capacity of communities and businesses women “in environmental decision making at all levels to build green economy; (ii) integrating gender analysis, and integrate gender concerns and perspectives in gender impact assessments, and gender-responsive policies and programs for sustainable development to approaches into natural resource management; (iii) minimize the differential effects of climate change and equitable gender participation in adaptation climate natural disasters” (BGA and Gender Advisory Committee change programs; (iv) gender-differentiated approaches 2011). Similarly, Belize’s National Gender Policy includes to DRR and recovery; and (5) increased public its commitments to “address the gender dimensions awareness of men and women’s complementary roles of disaster preparedness and mitigation processes and in natural resources management (ibid.). All of these respond adequately to the gender related vulnerabilities five commitments are linked to specific short- and of women and men in times of disasters” (National middle-term actions, expected outcomes, indictors, and Women’s Commission 2013). Although Dominica’s lead agencies. Importantly, apart from governmental Updated National Gender Policy and Action Plan does agencies responsible for the implementation of these not go beyond general statements about the importance five commitments, the section also includes women and of assessing the specific needs of women in disaster men’s organizations, other NGOs and CSOs as well as preparedness responses, it considers other vulnerable faith-based organizations (ibid.). Table 3.1. Gender equality policies and plans. Country Year Name Responsible entity Women’s Department, Belize 2002, revised in 2013 National Gender Policy National Women’s Commission Dominica 2014 National Gender Policy and Action Plan Bureau of Gender Affairs Grenada 2014 Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan Division of Gender and Family Affairs Guyana 2018 National Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy Gender Affairs Bureau Jamaica 2011 National Policy for Gender Equality Bureau of Gender Affairs 2000, revised periodically Integral Gender Action Plans Suriname Bureau of Gender Affairs 2021 Gender Vision Policy Document | 26 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility The experience of Grenada demonstrates that the 3.1.2. National gender machineries development of a national gender policy and its disaster The national gender machineries in the CRF countries and climate change sections is more successful if it is based are experiencing insufficient institutional support, limited on an inclusive participatory process and consultations financial resources, and human resource constraints with a wide range of stakeholders. At the same time, (CDB 2016b). These factors negatively influence their the implementation of such inclusive participatory capacity to coordinate gender mainstreaming across all approaches might face severe challenges. In Belize, for governmental agencies, divisions, and programs as well example, the faith-based community called to repeal the as inhibit their capacity to raise awareness about existing 2013 Revised National Gender Policy to reinforce “rigid gender disparities, including in DRM and climate change definitions of male and female social roles and restrictions activities. In addition, national gender divisions are not on the rights of gendered vulnerable populations” (CDB spread across their countries, with the only exception 2016b). Belize’s experience suggests the importance of of Belize’s Women’s Department that has offices in six stakeholder analysis at all stages of policy making to avoid districts. The geographical distribution of its offices helps disrupting gender-responsive programs and initiatives. Belize’s Women’s Department provide more women with special services related to GBV, economic empowerment, The GBV policy area is particularly important in the DRM and social protection (ibid.). context due to increased risks for violence and domestic abuse in disaster situations. Recognizing the importance Most national gender machineries in the CRF countries of this policy area, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, have gender focal points1 appointed at the ministerial Jamaica, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have levels, with the only exception of Saint Lucia. Their addressed violence issues in their strategic action plans to numbers and institutionalization mechanisms vary end GBV (table 3.2). significantly among those governments that appoint gender focal points to increase ministries’ capacity to Most countries have developed comprehensive laws pre- integrate gender into their DRM and other programs. scribing measures to prevent and combat human traffick- Jamaica has one of the exemplary systems, with gender ing by: protecting victims; facilitating the efficient inves- focal points established in all government ministries, tigation of cases and effective punishment of traffickers; departments, and agencies with their key responsibility to and promoting cooperation with other states (table 3.2). implement gender-responsive programs through capacity In the DRM context, such laws play an important role building and technical assistance (ECLAC 2015). The since disasters tend to be correlated with increased re- government of Jamaica appointed gender focal points in ports of human trafficking incidents, including sex and the disaster and environment-related areas to be directly labor exploitation (CDC n.d.; Polaris Project 2017). involved in the sector gender planning process and action Table 3.2. National policies related to GBV and DV. Strategic action plans Laws on Comprehensive laws on Country to end GBV domestic violence trafficking in persons Antigua and Barbuda ✔ ✔ ✔ Belize ✔ ✔ ✔ Dominica ✘ ✔ ✘ Grenada ✔ ✔ ✔ Guyana ✘ ✔ ✔ Jamaica ✔ ✔ ✔ St. Lucia ✘ ✔ ✔ St. Vincent and the Grenadines ✔ ✔ ✔ Suriname ✘ ✔ ✔ Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 27 | plan initiatives in the Office of Disaster Preparedness and A full list of policies and plans can be found in individual Emergency Management, the National and Environment country profiles (appendixes A to I). Table 3.3 summarizes Planning Agency, and the Ministry of Transport, Works the number of analyzed national policies and plans per and Housing (ibid.). Jamaica’s gender focal points’ system each country, with the corresponding number of policies represents a good example for such countries as Saint and plans that contain specific provisions or mention Lucia that have no formal procedures or requirements for gender and vulnerable groups, in general.2 public officers to consult the Division of Gender Relations on the integration of gender considerations into their The inclusion of gender-specific topics in national disaster programs (CDB 2016b). and climate change policies analyzed in this desk review varies significantly between the nine countries under 3.1.3. Gender gaps in DRM and climate change consideration and their responsible agencies. However, policy documents even in the four countries (Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, The National Disaster Management Acts in all nine countries Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) with the highest do not include gender-specific content or provisions numbers of national disaster and climate change policies related to other vulnerable groups, with the exception and plans containing some provisions related or gender of Dominica’s Comprehensive Disaster Management Act or vulnerable groups, their coverage does not go beyond that contains gender-specific provisions for early warning general statements about the importance of assessing systems (EWS) set in the related regulations. Although the specific needs of women in DRM activities. In most Guyana’s Draft Disaster Risk Management Bill contains cases, these policy documents and plans do not include some provisions related to gender, it has not been finalized gender-specific policy outcomes and indicators for their yet. Apart from the National Disaster Management implementation assessments; and provide little detail Acts, the desk review’s analysis included other national about the relevant strategies and actions to fulfill gender- policy documents and plans about disasters and climate specific commitments. Only a few policy documents change such as National Action Plans on Combating contain detailed information about concrete actions and Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought; National gender-specific indicators. For example, the 2015 Aligned Comprehensive Disaster Management Policies, National National Action Programme for Grenada’s Commitment Climate Change Policies, Strategies and Action Plans, under the UN Convention to Combat Desertification and Nationally Determined Contributions under the UNFCCC, Drought proposes to increase the number of women’s Policy on Adaptation to Global Climate Change, National groups involved in its activities from zero in 2013 Hazard Mitigation Plans, National Disaster Relief Policies. (baseline) to two in 2020, while it proposes to increase Table 3.3. The number of disaster and climate change policies and plans at the national level that contain specific provisions or mention gender and vulnerable groups, per country. Number of policies and plans that include Total number of analyzed policies specific provisions or mention gender and Country and plans at the national level vulnerable groups Antigua and Barbuda 4 1 Belize 5 0 Dominica 7 2 Grenada 7 3 Guyana 9 8 Jamaica 6 5 St. Lucia 9 6 St. Vincent and the Grenadines 4 3 Suriname 4 2 | 28 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility the number of youth groups from one in 2013 to seven households headed by women because of the absence in 2020 (ibid.). These indicators are useful for monitoring of male partners, the prevalence of masculinity norms, the program implementation. However, as evident from gender stereotypes and biases, and persistent and often these indicators, the participation of women and youth’s sub-culturally institutionalized GBV. organizations in DRM still remains very low. Insufficient gender considerations in many disaster One of the most significant gaps in DRM and climate related policies and plans are often combined with effects change policies is the lack of data disaggregated by sex of multiple biases that women and other disadvantaged and other key variables related to vulnerable groups (such groups face on account of overlapping and interdependent as age) and limited gender-sensitive research and analysis, systems of discrimination in the case of indigenous especially as far as disaster impacts and risks are concerned. populations, ethnic and religious minorities, vulnerable Grenada’s Drought Management Plan, for example, age groups, and migrant communities. Yet, despite the states that no gender disaggregated data for disaster importance of such overlapping and interdependent risks are available in Grenada, despite strong evidence systems of discrimination, the intersectional approach of women’s vulnerability to disasters and increased risks is lacking in most policies, strategies, and plans related associated with gender inequality (GoG 2019). The only to DRM and climate change designed and implemented available gender disaster impact assessment in Grenada at the national and sectoral levels. Thus, women tend to dates back to February 2005, approximately five months be treated as a homogenous group, focusing on their following Hurricane Ivan (ECLAC, UNIFEM, and UNDP singular identity without any analysis of their multiple 2005). In addition, the 2016 Caribbean countries’ gender vulnerabilities that can significantly reinforce disaster assessments show that many governmental ministries, impacts on them. To a large extent, this bias can be traced departments, and agencies do not use or request other back to the lack of disaggregated quantitative data at types of sex-disaggregated data, even if such data are the national and sectoral levels. As a result, these data available through their Central Statistical Offices (CDB gaps further facilitate and contribute to exclusion of the 2016b). As a result, systematic and consistent gender already disadvantaged groups (Brown et al. 2019). assessments and gender analysis are absent in most policies, plans, strategies, and programmatic reports In addition, it is important to integrate specific needs of analyzed in this desk review, despite the fact that they are children in DRM policies based on future comprehensive the starting points for gender integration into DRM. research. For example, a knowledge gap exists because Many disaster-related policies in the Caribbean countries of the absence of strong evidence about the connections are gender neutral, without considerations of specific between boys and girls’ out-of-school rates, and their needs of men, women, girls, and boys as well as the elderly, potential marginalization in their adult lives. Only mixed people living with disabilities, people with AIDS or HIV or evidence is available about the relationship between boys’ both, and various minorities. At the same time, the success education out-of-school rates and male unemployment, of disaster preparedness and recovery efforts depends on crime, and GBV (CDB 2016a). Also, on account of less all-inclusive approaches and equal participation of men, visibility, we have even less evidence about girls’ out-of- women, and other affected individuals and groups. In school rates because of poverty and teenage pregnancies, this respect, a good policy example is Guyana’s National and a higher incidence of poor female-headed households Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Policy 2018–2025, (ibid.). This finding, in turn, suggests the necessity of a which provides a more gender-balanced approach to more gender-balanced approach to youth policies and inclusion of the specific needs of both men and women in research. This research would be particularly useful for disaster situations (GoGy 2020). The introduction of more Jamaica, Belize, and Suriname, where the rates of out-of- gender-balanced approaches to DRM policies would school children, adolescents, and youth are much higher allow the Caribbean countries to address some of their than in the other countries and at the regional level common characteristics such as a significant number of (UNESCO n.d.). Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 29 | Finally, another important limitation of disaster-related project also showed multiple benefits of integrating the policies is a lack of considerations regarding GBV in disaster elderly and young people in community hazard mapping. settings, provision of psychosocial services to GBV and DV victims and survivors, and special measures for ensuring a 3.1.5. Advocacy and knowledge generation safe environment for women and children living in shelters. Comparative analysis shows that national gender The 2017 Post-Disaster Needs Assessment in Dominica, agencies, women’s organizations, other NGOs, and CSOs for example, found that shelters were not designed with have made significant progress on raising awareness gender considerations (GoCD 2017). Also, in Saint Lucia, about gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, the 2019 country’s gender assessment found insufficient and GBV in all the nine countries. However, much more provision of a safe environment for women and children efforts are needed in DRM and environmental education living in shelters (DoGA 2019). This finding suggests the programs; for example, the knowledge, attitudes, and necessity of incorporating GBV considerations in shelter practices surveys on climate change commissioned by polices in the Caribbean countries and incorporating the UNDP through the Japan-Caribbean Climate Change provisions regarding various support services for victims Partnership found that a significant number of both and survivors of violence—treatment and psychosocial female and male respondents in the Caribbean countries services—in national GBV action plans. were unable to identify specific impacts of climate change on their communities, and did not know enough 3.1.4. Implementation and practice: Gender- regarding what could be done to protect themselves responsive preparedness and recovery efforts from the related hazards (J-CCCP 2016a; J-CCCP 2016b; The desk review’s findings of the implementation of J-CCCP 2016c; J-CCCP 2016d; Severin and Jacobs Small gender-responsive DRR programs show that they are still 2016). Moreover, some studies with sex-disaggregated at their initial stage in all the nine countries. Antigua and results showed that more women were unaware or were Barbuda made some progress in 2018 on integrating not prepared for climate-related hazards compared to gender considerations into its EWS (NODS 2018), while men (Constable 2016; Severin and Jacobs Small 2016). many other countries are falling behind. For example, the These findings suggest the importance of enhancing 2018 evaluations of the countries’ EWS in Dominica, Saint community climate change resilience through continuous Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines —conducted gender-sensitive training programs. by their National Disaster Management Agencies in cooperation with CDEMA—identified multiple gender 3.1.6. Women’s participation and leadership gaps and other inefficiencies (CDEMA, IFRC, and UNDP An analysis of individual country profiles suggests that the 2019; NEMO 2018). Specifically, in these countries, gender equality policies that have been adopted in Belize, warning messages were not targeted to vulnerable Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, and Suriname groups, as in the issuance of gender-specific warnings are the outcome of an inclusive and participatory and alerts for the visually and hearing impaired (ibid.). In process, in which the gender affairs’ agencies, women, addition, these evaluations pointed to the lack of gender and women’s organizations played their critical roles. considerations in vulnerability and capacity assessments at Thus, the consultation processes initiated by the gender the national and sector levels (ibid.). For instance, within affairs’ agencies in these countries allowed them to Saint Lucia’s flood EWS, community hazard mapping did incorporate different voices of disadvantaged groups to not factor any consideration of gender-specific issues promote gender equality. These policies can serve as an (National Emergency Management Organization 2018). example of women’s involvement in the policy-making At the same time, Jamaica’s experience demonstrates the process. Yet, as far as DRM and climate change policies importance of involving women and other vulnerable are concerned, much less evidence exists of women’s groups in community hazard mapping. For example, 77 organizations involvement in their design, adoption, percent of participants in the 2015 community hazard and implementation. This finding suggests that public mapping in areas adjacent to the Negril in Jamaica were agencies in charge of DRM and environmental policies women (ODPEM 2015). Apart from women, the Negril in the Caribbean countries need to be more proactive in | 30 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility coordinating their activities with gender affairs’ agencies for vulnerable people (Joseph–Brown and Tuiloma– and involving women’s organizations, CSOs, and NGOs Sua 2012). Yet, these important functions and roles of representing interests of vulnerable groups in all stages women are often invisible in the DRM policy making, of the policy cycle. Gender-equitable participation in the the implementation and evaluation of disaster recovery disaster and climate change policy making is a condition programs, and the related reports. for achieving gender equality and improving resilience at the community, societal, and national levels. Notes Various barriers prevent women’s participation in post- 1. The role of Gender Focal Points is to ensure that gender equality and equity are mainstreamed in every national policy, planning and disaster recovery efforts from equal participation with men service delivery. in the infrastructure reconstruction process. In general, the 2. Countries’ disaster and climate change-related policies at the gendered labor division makes women more marginalized sectoral level are included in each country profile in Appendixes in the post-disaster labor market, with fewer benefits from A to I. However, their comparative cross-country analysis is limited because sectoral policies vary significantly, depending on infrastructure development and community rehabilitation a particular country under consideration. The inclusion of these projects (ECLAC, UNIFEM, and UNDP 2005). Yet, the desk policies in country profiles is aimed at providing preliminary insights review provides some examples where women played into countries’ sectoral DRM frameworks. their critical roles in post-disaster recovery efforts. For References example, in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, women Brown, S., Budimir, M., Upadhyay Crawford, S., Clements, R., and Sneddon, A. 2019. Gender and Age Inequality of Disaster represented approximately 70 percent of the temporary Risk: Research Paper. UNICEF and UN Women. laborers in post-disaster road cleaning after the 2013 https://www.preventionweb.net/files/72229_ floods (CDB 2015a). Yet, it was documented that these bls19312unwdisasterriskreport003web.pdf. women were paid wages for which many men refused Caribbean Development Bank. 2015. Country Gender Assessment: to work (ibid.), that in turn, reflects existing disparities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. July 2015. https://www.caribank.org/ sites/default/files/publication-resources/CountryGenderAssessment_ the labor market. Also, at a higher level of infrastructure StVincentandtheGrenadines.pdf. development programs, no evidence could be found of CDC. n.d. “Human Trafficking in the Wake of a Disaster”. https:// any measures to increase women’s involvement (ibid.). www.cdc.gov/disasters/human_trafficking_info_for_shelters.html. The latter reflects a general trend among the Caribbean CDB. 2016a. Country Gender Assessment of Belize. Caribbean countries of insufficient numbers of women in decision- Development Bank. https://www.caribank.org/publications-and- resources/resource-library/gender-assessments/country-gender- making positions in various sectors, including DRM and assessment-belize-2016. environment. The desk review shows that in Belize and CDEMA, IFRC, and UNDP. 2019. Strengthening Early Warning Saint Vincent and the Grenadines women have the Systems in the Caribbean: South-South Cooperation Strategy. lowest access to decision-making positions compared to August 15, 2019. https://www.latinamerica.undp.org/content/rblac/ en/home/library/environment_energy/strengthening-early-warning- the other countries. systems-in-the-caribbean--ssc-strate.html Constable, Ayesha. 2016. A Gender Analysis of Climate Change Finally, the desk review’s analysis of the existing country Perceptions and Adaptation in Sherwood Content. Jamaica: reports and country gender assessments reveals their University of the West Indies. https://pdfs.semanticscholar. org/947a/1982af806e687e40bc36790dcb8863316f25. unbalanced approach. Specifically, most of them focus pdf?_ga=2.53499048.1091284108.1596044009- on women’s vulnerabilities rather than on their capacities. 2035551196.1596044009. At the same time at the household level, women play DoGA. 2019. Antigua and Barbuda Review of the Beijing Declaration their critical roles in disaster settings, taking care of and Platform for Action: 2014-2019. Antigua and Barbuda: Directorate of Gender Affairs. https://www.cepal.org/sites/default/ children, the elderly, and the disabled. At the community files/informe_beijing25_antigua_y_barbuda.pdf. level in disaster and post-disaster settings, women are ECLAC. 2015. Jamaica National Review Report: Implementation also primarily responsible for such duties as providing of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) safe spaces for victims of violence, hosting displaced and the Outcomes of the Twenty-Third Special Session of the General Assembly (2000). https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/ families, and meeting broader community needs in their headquarters/attachments/sections/csw/64/national-reviews/jamaica. capacity as volunteers, nurses, fundraisers, and caretakers pdf?la=en&vs=1913. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 31 | ECLAC, UNIFEM, and UNDP. 2005. Grenada: A Gender Impact J-CCCP. 2016d. Knowledge Attitudes and Practice Survey on Climate Assessment of Hurricane Ivan - Making the Invisible Visible. https:// Change: Results of Climate Change Awareness Survey in Dominica. repositorio.cepal.org/handle/11362/27582. https://www.bb.undp.org/content/barbados/en/home/library/crisis_ prevention_and_recovery/publication_2.html. GoCD. 2017. Post-Disaster Needs Assessment Hurricane Maria. A Report by the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Joseph–Brown, Lynette S., and Dawn Tuiloma–Sua. 2012. Integrating https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/dominica-pdna- Gender in Disaster Risk Management in Small Island Developing maria.pdf. States: A Guide. Barbados: UNDP and OECS. GoG. 2019. Drought Management Plan (Draft). https:// Ministry of Home Affairs. 2019b. Gender Vision Policy Document knowledge.unccd.int/sites/default/files/country_profile_ (2021-2035). Paramaribo, Suriname: The Government of Suriname. documents/1%2520FINAL_NDP_Grenada.pdf. http://homeaffairs.gov.sr/media/1058/3-juli-engelse-printversie- gender-vision-policy-document-2021-2035-1.pdf. J-CCCP. 2016a. In Country Specific Campaign for Grenada: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Survey on Climate Change. National Women’s Commission. 2013. The Revised National Gender change-awareness-survey/. Policy, Part 2. March 2013. https://oig.cepal.org/sites/default/files/ belize_2013national_gender_policy.pdf. J-CCCP. 2016b. KAP/B Study Report - Climate Change Survey in Jamaica. Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership. https://www. Polaris Project. 2017. Natural Disasters and the Increased Risk for adaptation-undp.org/resources/reports/climate-change-knowledge- Human Trafficking. https://polarisproject.org/blog/2017/09/natural- attitudes-and-practices-study-jamaica-2016. disasters-and-the-increased-risk-for-human-trafficking/. J-CCCP. 2016c. Knowledge Attitudes and Practice Survey on Climate Severin, Petya, and Barbara Jacobs Small. 2016. Knowledge Attitude, Change: Belize. https://www.undp.org/content/dam/barbados/docs/ Practices/Behaviour (KAP/B) Study on Climate Change: Saint Lucia Publications/undp_bb_BLZ_KAP_knowledge_attitudes_and_practice_ Baseline Study 2016. UNDP J-CCCP. https://www.adaptation-undp. study_on_climate_change_in_belize.pdf. org/sites/default/files/resources /knowledge_attitude_practices_ behaviour_kapb_study_on_climate_change_st.lucia_final.pdf. | 32 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility 4 Woman wearing traditional creole clothing, St Georges, Grenada. Photo: M. Timothy O'Keefe/Alamy Stock Photo. Conclusion: The way forward This section provides a brief outline of priority areas for action, future research directions, and supportive activities aimed at enhancing gender-responsive initiatives at the national level. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 33 | According to the desk review’s findings (section 2), women risk, and capacity assessments, and specific indicators in the CRF countries experience various gaps in access of various disadvantaged groups that can be used to to health, social protection, vocational and technical monitor and measure their progress of inclusion in education, productive resources, economic opportunities, disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. and voice and agency, all which are associated with • Gender-equitable and fair distribution of benefits from women’s increased vulnerability to disasters and climate projects and programs in the areas of DRR and climate change hazards. In turn, a higher level of vulnerability of change adaptation require a cost benefit and efficiency women leads to more devastating disaster impacts on analysis, with detailed information about all beneficia- their lives, reinforcing the already existing inequalities and ries—individuals, groups, and organizations—that di- gender disparities. This effect, in turn, further increases rectly or indirectly benefit from particular interventions. the vulnerability of women and disadvantaged groups to • The desk review points to the importance of expanding disasters and climate change-related hazards through a community-based approaches to DRM planning that reinforcing loop. To break this vicious cycle, the national covers pre- and post-disaster impacts, prevention, mit- governments in the CRF countries need to achieve and igation, preparedness, response, and recovery as well maintain gender-equitable involvement and participation as the identification of vulnerable populations living in in the DRM and climate change policymaking and communities, such as women, the elderly, children, and implementation. However, despite the importance of other special groups. gender-equitable involvement in DRM, this desk review (section 3) demonstrates that gender considerations are • A broadened approach within the national EWS arrange- not fully integrated into DRM and climate change policies ments is necessary to empower and ensure more active and programs in the nine CRF Caribbean countries. involvement of women and other special groups into the EWS design. Systematic and periodic performance The desk review develops country-specific recommenda- assessments of the national EWS should be inclusive of tions for national governments and internal stakehold- women and other disadvantaged groups to strengthen ers in the private and non-profit sectors to address this their protection during emergency situations. problem (appendixes A to I). These country-specific rec- • National awareness-raising campaigning is a prereq- ommendations are based on analyses of policies, plans, uisite to challenge attitudes and beliefs that discrimi- programs, and initiatives developed and implemented in nate against women and girls and that often prevent each of the CRF countries. Top ten priority areas can be them from taking up leadership positions in DRR and distinguished for immediate action, built on the coun- climate change adaptation. It is necessary to identi- try-specific recommendations. fy new ways to involve women and men equally and • Apart from the recognition of the importance of gender meaningfully in decision making in disaster risk reduc- integration into DRM at the policy level, the national tion and management. governments need to demonstrate political will and • It is important to ensure the links between poverty re- actual commitments to gender mainstreaming through duction, social protection, DRR, and climate change ad- strong coordination between public agencies in charge aptation based on all-inclusive participatory approaches. of gender affairs, DRR, climate change, economic • At the national level, sustained and further impetus to development, and social policies. effort will ensure gender-equitable access to disaster • The desk review provides evidence of a requisite official relief assistance and gender-sensitive financial risk-shar- review of national DRM and climate change policies, ing programs. strategies, and plans to enhance the integration of • Effective gender integration into DRM requires the de- gender considerations into their design, development, velopment of a dialogue platform and strong partner- implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. ships between public agencies, women’s organizations, • Gender-responsive policy making should be based and other CSOs and NGOs to accelerate responses to on exact statistics and data related to gender-specific disasters and climate change hazards. impacts of disasters, gender-sensitive vulnerability, | 34 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Concrete methods, tools, and instruments to tackle the gender and vulnerable groups, (vii) risk education and priority areas for action might vary significantly across communication raising awareness about the importance national governments and their responsible agencies on of such analytics (ibid.). Although not comprehensive, account of the diversity of national frameworks for the appendix J lists the selected toolkits, guides, and integration of gender into DRM. Various international benchmarking resources consulted for this desk. organizations have developed multiple toolkits and guides to be applied by agencies in charge of gender- The desk review underscores the indispensability of responsive DRM and climate resilience. For example, several supportive activities in such critical areas as the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, in analytics and research, knowledge management and consultation with a range of international organizations training as well as in monitoring and evaluation activities and experts, developed its policy and practical guidelines and operations. These supportive activities are aimed at for national and local governments to implement accelerating gender integration into DRM and climate gender-responsive DRR, including checklists for gender- change in the Caribbean countries. sensitive risk assessments (UNISDR, UNDP, IUCN 2009). Furthermore, Oxfam, the international nonprofit Analytics and future research have much ground to organization, mandated on global poverty alleviation, cover knowledge gaps, and therefore are required to developed several toolkits and learning guides for assess: practitioners who work on gender-responsive DRM and • Sectoral vulnerability and capacity assessments in the climate adaptation, with an overview of key instruments Caribbean countries that account for the gendered for mainstreaming gender-sensitive interventions sector concentration and the gendered division of in various phases of the DRM cycle: preparedness, labor. mitigation, response, rehabilitation, and recovery (Oxfam • Disaster-related impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic 2010; Pincha 2011). More recently, the Green Climate on the most vulnerable populations in the Caribbean Fund developed its toolkit to ensure gender integration countries, particularly of their disaster preparedness into climate change projects in those countries that and recovery efforts. apply for its funding (Green Climate Fund 2017). Training and knowledge management represent The International Recovery Platform (n.d.) generated another critically important area, which can be assessment tools to be used to gather sensitive implemented through various channels: data on gender-differentiated disaster impacts. • A wide range of knowledge products aimed at The Insurance Development Forum (IDF), a public- promoting and communicating innovative and creative private partnership supported by the UN and other initiatives that integrate gender considerations into international organizations, developed practical steps DRM, and that identify and synthesize best practices for gender-based quantitative risk assessments at the and lessons learned, case studies, stories, and deep country and city levels to illustrate the importance dives. of the application of gender-focused risk analytics to unmodeled disaster impacts (Insurance Development • Information and education materials on gender- Forum 2020). Additionally, their specific guidelines responsive disaster preparedness and recovery efforts for an effective gendered quantitative risk analysis for a wide range of audience that include public recommend: (i) a strategic approach to risk based on agencies, women’s organizations, other NGOs, and system-level multihazard assessments; (ii) empowerment CSOs. of women and other risk owners through a participatory • Special training programs on child and gender- process; (iii) collaboration through public-private responsive budgeting aimed to increase the knowledge partnerships, (iv) adoption of open modeling principles; of relevant policy makers and social development (v) scaling assessments of risk analytics capacity, (vi) practitioners about financing child and gender-related disaggregated people-centric metrics with a focus on policies and programs in DRM. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 35 | • Knowledge events to raise awareness among of internal stakeholders to develop and implement policy makers and other stakeholders about the gender-responsive disaster and climate change pro- disproportionate vulnerability of women and other grams, with a continuous assessment of their outputs, disadvantaged groups to disaster impacts. outcomes and impacts for further improvements. • Special training programs on DRM data collection These supportive activities warrant collaboration disaggregated by sex and other key variables related between international development organizations, social to vulnerable groups such as age. development practitioners, and academia, and should be • Sensualization of different themes related to the targeted to a wide variety of stakeholders, such as public importance of women and other vulnerable groups officials, women’s organizations and other NGOs and for building capacity and enhancing resilience to CSOs that address issues of gender, vulnerable groups, climate change, using a range of media targeted to and environment in the Caribbean countries under specific audiences, blogs of international development consideration. organizations and social media. References Green Climate Fund. 2017. Mainstreaming Gender in Green Finally, monitoring and evaluation activities and Climate Fund Projects. Republic of Korea, 2017. https://www. greenclimate.fund/sites/default/files/document/guidelines-gcf-toolkit- operations that assess the status of integration of mainstreaming-gender_0.pdf. gender consideration into DRM entail considerable Insurance Development Forum. 2020. The Development Impact of amount of efforts. Risk Analytics. https://www.insdevforum.org/report-development- • The development of a clear monitoring framework to impact-risk-analytics. track countries’ progress on the integration of gender Oxfam. 2010. Gender, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change Adaptation: A Learning Companion. https://www.gdnonline.org/ considerations into disaster preparedness and recov- resources/OxfamGender&ARR.pdf. ery efforts. Pincha, Chaman. Gender Sensitive Disaster Management: A Toolkit • The development of monitoring and evaluation mech- for Practitioners. Mumbai: Oxfam America, 2008. anisms that reflect synergies between DRM, climate UNISDR, UNDP and IUCN. 2009. Making Disaster Risk Reduction Gender-Sensitive: Policy and Practical Guidelines. Geneva, change adaptation, and gender-sensitive budgeting. Switzerland: United Nations. https://www.preventionweb.net/ • Technical assistance and support for capacity building files/9922_MakingDisasterRiskReductionGenderSe.pdf. | 36 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix A. Country profile: Antigua and Barbuda A.1. National policies on gender equality, women empowerment and promoting gender equality nationally and girls’ empowerment, and GBV (DoGA 2019). In Antigua and Barbuda, gender equality The government of Antigua and Barbuda (GoAB) has norms are included in various acts. For example, Sec- adopted and amended various policies addressing gender tion E8 of the Labour Code states that “no woman shall equality issues, women and girls’ empowerment, and merely by reason of her sex be employed under terms of GBV since 2010 (table A.1). employment less favorable than that employed by male workers in the same occupation and by the same employ- The Directorate of Gender Affairs (DoGA) is Antigua and er” (GoAB 1975). Further, the 2017 Disabilities and Equal Barbuda’s coordinating agency for mainstreaming gender Opportunities Act (GoAB 2017b) protects the rights of across all government agencies, policies, and programs. It women and men with disabilities and provides equal ac- is a division of the Ministry of Social Transformation, Hu- cess to health care. The 2019 Social Protection Act (GoAB man Resource Development, Youth, and Gender Affairs. 2019b) established the National Social Protection Com- The DoGA coordinates gender-related activities, including mission to deliver child and gender-sensitive programs. drafting the National Gender Equality Policy and Action The GoAB is also considering a national prevention of Plan, under consideration by the GoAB. It is aimed to set harassment and discrimination policy; however, it has not a national framework for advancing women and girls’ been adopted yet (DoGA 2019). Table A.1. Antigua and Barbuda’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS CONTENT National Gender Equality Policy and It is aimed to establish a framework for implementing gender priorities nationally Action Plan (under consideration) and integrating the Sustainable Development Goals for national implementation. Labour Code (1975, amended in It ensures equal pay for equal work for men and women in both the public and 2011) private sectors. GENDER EQUALITY Disabilities and Equal Opportunities It prohibits discrimination against women and men with disabilities. Act (2017) Social Protection Act (2019) Section 37 establishes the National Social Protection Commission to promote an integrated, equitable, and sustainable social protection system, reduce poverty and vulnerability, and deliver child and gender-sensitive programs. National Youth Policy (2007) It identifies critical factors to youth empowerment and key focus areas of participation, gender equality, and gender relations. National Health and Family Life It aims to mainstream health and family life education as a core curriculum Education Policy (2010) component in schools, including gender relations and sexual health. Domestic Violence Act (2015) It expands the definition of DV under the law and mandates that police offices file a report on every reported DV case. Evidence (Special Provisions) It allows vulnerable witnesses of sexual crimes to give evidence without facing the (Amendment) Act (2016) perpetrator in court. GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE Children (Care and Adoption) Act It ensures that children, particularly girls, are placed in safe living environments, and (2015) provides access to psychosocial care through counseling services for children in need of protection. Sexual Offences Act (1995, amended It recognizes a wide range of offences, and contains provisions geared at offering in 2004) greater protection to children and persons with mental disorders. Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act Section 7A establishes the Trafficking in Persons Prevention Unit, with its main (2010, amended in 2018) function to eliminate and prevent trafficking incidents. National Strategic Action Plan to End It creates the National Electronic Gender-Based and Sexual Violence Database Violence Against Women and Girls for to store and analyze data and statistics on the related cases. Referrals to other the period 2015-2018 organizations can also be made through the system. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 37 | GBV policies have witnessed several important changes. A.2. National and sector DRM and climate change The 2015 Domestic Violence Act (GoAB 2015b) and the laws, policies, and plans and the status of their 2016 Evidence (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act gender integration provided greater protection for DV victims (GoAB 2016). Although many disaster-related policies do not have any Additionally, the 2015 Children (Care and Adoption) gender-specific content, the GoAB has taken its initial Act addressed issues affecting the care and protection steps to integrate a gender perspective into DRM at the of vulnerable children, particularly girls (GoAB 2015a). national, sector, and agency levels (table A.2). The 2018 amendment to the 2010 Trafficking in Persons (Prevention) Act further strengthened protection of The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) is trafficking victims (GoAB 2018b). In addition, the DoGA responsible for integrating gender into DRM policies. The established the Support and Referral Centre (SARC) in NODS works in cooperation with the Caribbean Disaster 2017 to provide services to GBV survivors. The GoAB Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), a regional also established a Sexual Offense Model Court (SOMS) inter-governmental entity for DRM. Specifically, the NODS in 2019 with the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda to relies on the CDEMA framework for integrating gender improve access to justice for GBV victims. into disaster risk reduction (DRR) plans, programs and Table A.2. Antigua and Barbuda’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT Disaster Management Act (2002) It does not include gender-specific content. Emergency Powers Act (1992) It does not include gender-specific content. GENERAL DRM National Action Plan: Combating It is gender neutral, with the only reference to the Gilbert Agricultural and Desertification, Land Degradation and Rural Development Centre, a non-profit NGO specializing in certified technical, Drought (2015–2020) vocational, and enterprise development training for vulnerable youth and women. National Comprehensive It commits the national DRM architecture to develop a framework enabling Disaster Management (CDM) communities and vulnerable groups to support and elaborate disaster prevention, Policy (2014–16) mitigation, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts. Physical Planning Act (2003) It does not include gender-specific content. Slum Clearance and Housing Act It does not include gender-specific content. (1948, amended in 1995) National Solid Waste Management It does not include gender-specific content. Authority Act (1995) Public Utilities Act (1992) It does not include gender-specific content. Barbuda Land (Amendment) Act It does not include gender-specific content. SECTOR/AGENCY DRM (2007, amended in 2017) Environmental Protection and It has a directive for the Sustainable Island Resource Framework Fund to provide Management Act (2019) financial support to vulnerable groups and communities for disaster preparedness. It also mandates to prepare gender impact statements periodically of the Fund’s operations, projects, and programs. National Strategic Biodiversity Action It recognizes the need to contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being, Plan (2014-2020) considering the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, the poor, and the vulnerable. Department of Environment It formalizes the agency’s commitment to promote environmental, gender- Environmental Social Safeguard Policy responsive, and socially sustainable projects. (2018) Department of Environment It formalizes the agency’s commitment to gender mainstreaming in its programs Gender Policy (2018) and project portfolio. | 38 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility policies. For example, in 2018, Antigua and Barbuda for women; case management protocols in disasters launched a gender-responsive early warning system (EWS) ensuring the continuity of the justice system; need for in collaboration with CDEMA (NODS 2018). longer term skills training programs for women that are pro-growth and pro-poor; and in-depth assessments of The Department of Environment (DoE) took the lead on GBV risks for women and children (GoAB 2018). gender integration into government programs related to climate resilience and mitigation. under the 2019 Several post-disaster gender-responsive programs were Environmental Protection and Management Act. Under launched at the country level following this assessment. the Act, the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) For example, the social housing program in 2018 focused Fund is the primary channel for financing the related on poor and vulnerable persons in urban communities. It activities (GoAB 2019a). This fund serves as a mechanism allowed more women to get access to safe, affordable, through which women and vulnerable communities are and climate resilient housing (DoGA 2019). Further, in able to access financing and increase their resilience to cooperation with the NODS, the DoGA trained 40 shelter climate change (Adams-Matthew 2019). In 2018, the managers on the prevention of GBV (ibid.). This training DoE also developed the Environmental Social Safeguard program included the basic concepts of gender, gender Policy (DoE 2018b) and the Gender Policy (DoE 2018a) norms, and GBV, focusing on the increased GBV risks for to mainstream gender in its operations, programs, and women and girls in disaster settings. However, it did not projects. Both documents included consultations with cover special needs of other vulnerable groups. Healthcare women’s groups and organizations. providers at the Mount St John Medical Centre, the country’s main hospital, received similar training (ibid.). The DoE received funding for climate change adaptation Their program also covered the specialized role of health from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the National sector personnel in preventing and responding to GBV Adaptation Planning (NAP) project in 2017. According incidents during emergencies. Additionally, under the to the proposal, “The project will be implemented in JURIST project, the DoGA trained 30 police offices, judges, accordance with the Department of Environment’s Gender magistrates, and court personnel on the basic concepts Policy, Environmental and Social Policy, and Consultation of gender, GBV, victim-blaming, and other forms of re- Strategy, to ensure that both men and women’s concerns, victimization (ibid.). aspirations, opportunities, and capacities are taken into account in all climate change adaptation activities, A.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation including assessments, planning, implementation, The DoGA leads national public advocacy, education, monitoring and evaluation, and technology development” and awareness-raising campaigns aimed to eliminate (DoE 2017). Finally, the DoE indicates that the workforce existing gender discriminatory norms and GBV. The development strategy and training will aim for a gender target clusters include women’s groups, vulnerable balance in the NAP development (ibid.). populations, men, boys, youth, CSOs, churches, schools, and public service providers. For example, the Men as A.3. Implementation and practice Partners Program trained men in 2016 to advocate for The entire Barbuda population of approximately 1,600 gender equality and fight against GBV (DoGA 2019). people was evacuated to the larger island of Antigua The DoGA also commissioned anti-GBV billboards in September 2017 after Hurricanes Irma and Maria erected island wide, and anti-violence announcements damaged over 80 percent of homes and buildings on the local television and radio. In addition, the (White 2019). In the immediate aftermath, the GoAB DoGA distributed brochures, information sheets, and conducted its post-disaster needs assessment. It identified education materials on GBV issues, gender equality, and in its gender-related relief and recovery: special housing disaster-related services across vulnerable communities, and rehabilitation measures for households headed by schools, churches, private entities, and public offices women; reconstruction of schools; culturally relevant, (CDB 2014a). innovative and accessible psychosocial support programs Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 39 | The DoGA commissioned a local youth theatre company, development and distribution of these kits. Women also Honeybee Theatre, to create a piece on GBV in disaster participated in the recovery efforts through the Barbuda settings to raise youth awareness about these issues. Council, a local government body, where more than half The related presentation, “Light in the Dark,” followed a of 11 members are females (DoGA 2019). Yet, despite 15-year old girl and her family who were displaced by a these efforts, the impact of Hurricane Irma continues to massive hurricane (ibid.). Under post-disaster conditions, pose challenges to Barbuda’s women’s education, health the girl experienced her vulnerability, instances of abuse and livelihood, while decision-making processes about and exploitation as well as difficulties in accessing support the land redistribution on the island may deprive them of services. The targeted audience included displaced women communal land ownership (Committee on the Elimination and young people who were living in shelters at the time. of Discrimination against Women 2019). After the presentation, they received information about psychological aid and services available for GBV survivors Both the DoGA and the DoE are headed by female in emergency situations (ibid.). directors. The DoE director Diann Black-Layne also serves as Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador for Climate A.5. Women’s participation and leadership Change (DoE 2020). Another example of female Antigua and Barbuda have various women’s organizations leadership is Ruth Spencer who was awarded the 2019 that are active in promoting gender equality and helping International Women’s Day Award for her contribution GBV victims especially in disaster settings—Women to women and girls’ empowerment in climate change Against Rape (WAR), the Professional Organisation of and the environment (DoGA 2019). In her capacity as Women, and the Women of Esteem Foundation, among the National Coordinator for the Global Environmental others (DoE 2020). After the 2017 hurricane season, Facility Small Grant Programme, Ruth Spencer has helped the GoAB made special efforts to ensure that women various community groups led by women develop their participated in post-disaster programs. For example, the own integrated development programs (ibid.). Ruth DoGA worked with UN Women and the UNFPA in 2017 Spencer also received the Energy Globe Award in 2015 to deliver “dignity kits” to the affected groups, which for her promotion of solar energy conversion as a multi- included basic health and hygiene products such as soap, faceted solution to Antigua and Barbuda’s development sanitary napkins, and underwear (UNFPA 2017). Barbuda’s problems (Energy Globe Award 2015). women from various communities participated in the | 40 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility A.6. Gaps and recommendations The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing gender disparities (table A.3). Table A.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Antigua and Barbuda. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Legislation, • Lack of a gender perspective in many DRM national • Amend national disaster-related policies to include policies, and policies and programmatic plans. a gender perspective. plans • Lack of legal provisions on unpaid domestic work. • Include legal provisions on unpaid domestic work. • Raise awareness among policy makers about the disproportionate vulnerability of women to disaster impacts. Sex- • Insufficient information about gender differentiated • Continue to build capacity and train public officials disaggregated disaster impacts. on risk, vulnerability, capacity assessments, and data and adaptation assessments. • Lack of information on the number of women in gender-specific research DRM and climate change-related decision-making • Strengthen collection of data on disaster impacts, processes. disaggregated by sex and other key variables • Lack of data on unpaid domestic work. related to vulnerable groups. • Enhance data collection on the number of women in DRM decision-making processes. • Develop time-use surveys to measure unpaid work periodically. Gender-based • Challenges of women and girls without sufficient • Expand the services provided by the Legal Aid violence means in accessing justice, protection and redress. and Advice Centre to include free legal aid and legal representation for women and girls without sufficient means. • Increase the allocation of human, technical and financial resources dedicated to the Sexual Offense Model Court (SOMS) with the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda. Institutional • Gender disparities in women’s access to disaster • Ensure the effective implementation of the strengthening safety nets due to unequal employment, lower prohibition of discrimination against women wages, and lower control over productive through appropriate enforcement mechanisms and resources. sanctions. • Lower access of Barbuda’s residents to health care • Strengthen the existing mechanisms and programs and high-quality schools compared to Antigua’s to improve access to affordable health care, residents. including sexual and reproductive health, for • Limited efforts to integrate child and gender women, particularly in disaster settings. sensitivity into ongoing public programs. • Promote access of all women in disaster situations • Limited monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to to critical services, relief payments, disaster support gender-mainstreaming initiatives. insurance, and compensation. • Eliminate disparities between residents of Antigua and Barbuda in access to healthcare, education, and social protection. • Strengthen tools to integrate child and gender- responsive budgeting and improve monitoring and evaluation of gender mainstreaming in DRM programs. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 41 | GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Advocacy and • Lack of legislative provisions for specific services to • Provide legislative support for specific services education support health and family life education as a core related to health and family life education in curriculum component in schools. schools. • Insufficient coverage of special needs and measures • Include tools and techniques to support people to support various vulnerable groups in the DoGA with HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, and training programs. members of the LGBTI community in disaster- • Lack of awareness raising campaigns about the related training programs. importance of gender-sensitive budgeting. • Organize workshops on child and gender- responsive budgeting to increase the knowledge of relevant policy makers and social development practitioners about financing child and gender- related policies and programs in DRM. Partnerships in • Limited efforts to create partnerships with civil • Promote partnerships between public agencies, DRM society in DRM areas. women’s organizations, and other CSOs and NGOs to accelerate responses to disasters and climate change hazards. Social • Lack of evidence-based policies on inclusion of • Increase inclusion of ethnic minorities, indigent inclusion ethnic minorities, indigent people, people with people, people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and members of the LGBTI members of the LGBTI community in DRM and community in DRM programs and decision-making climate change adaptation programs. processes. • Increase Barbuda’s women’s participation in DRR, • Insufficient efforts to increase participation of climate resilience, and mitigation programs and Barbuda’s women in decision-making processes projects as well as decision-making processes about about land redistribution on the island. the land redistribution on the island. Women’s • Insufficient women’s participation and leadership in • Target and remove gender-biased criteria or participation DRM and climate change activities. processes of decision-making bodies and and leadership strengthen mechanisms to increase women’s participation and leadership in DRM and climate change activities. | 42 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility References GoAB. 2010. National Health and Family Life Education Policy. Antigua Adams-Matthew, Rashauna. 2019. Advancing Gender Equality and and Barbuda: Ministry of Health, Wellness and The Environment. Women’s Empowerment in Climate Finance in Antigua and Barbuda. GoAB. 2013a. National Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) St. John’s: Government of Antigua and Barbuda.https://www.thegef. Policy (2014-2016). St. John’s: The Government of Antigua and org/sites/default/files/events/cop25_pavilion_20191203_1315_gender_ Barbuda. presentation_4.pdf. GoAB. 2013b. National Strategic Action Plan to End Violence CDB. 2014a. Country Gender Assessment of Antigua and Barbuda. Against Women and Girls for the Period 2015-2018. St. John’s, Caribbean Development Bank. https://www.caribank.org/publications- Antigua & Barbuda: Directorate of Gender Affairs, Ministry of Social and-resources/resource-library/gender-assessments/country-gender- Transformation and Human Affairs. assessment-antigua-and-barbuda-2014-volumes-1-and-2. GoAB. 2014. Antigua and Barbuda National Strategic Biodiversity Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. Action Plan 2014-2020. https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/ag/ag-nbsap- 2019. Concluding Observations on the Combined Fourth to Seventh 01-en.pdf. Periodic Reports of Antigua and Barbuda. https://digitallibrary.un.org/ record/3801129?ln=en. GoAB. 2015a. Children (Care and Adoption) Act (No. 24 of 2015). http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/a2015-24.pdf. DoE. 2017. “Readiness Proposal.” Antigua and Barbuda: Department of Environment. https://www.environment.gov.ag/assets/uploads/ GoAB. 2015b. Domestic Violence Act (No. 27 of 2015). http://laws. attachments/db21e-nap_readiness_antigua_25oct2017_final-share.pdf. gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/a2015-27.pdf. DoE. 2018a. “Gender Policy.” Antigua and Barbuda: Department GoAB. 2015c. National Action Plan: Combating Desertification, of Environment. https://www.environment.gov.ag/assets/uploads/ Land Degradation and Drought, 2015-2020. https://www. attachments/99859-approved-doe-gender-policy.pdf. greengrowthknowledge.org/sites/default/files/downloads/policy- DoE. 2018b. “Environmental Social Safeguard Policy.” Antigua and database/ANTIGUA%20AND%20BARBUDA%29%20Antigua%20 Barbuda: Department of Environment. https://www.environment.gov. %26%20Barbuda%E2%80%99s%2020152020%20National%20 ag/assets/uploads/attachments/99859-approved-doe-gender-policy.pdf. Action%20Plan%20-%20Combatting%20Desertification%2C%20 Land%20Degradation%20%26%20Drought.pdf. DoE. 2020. “Environmental Social Impact Assessment and Management Plan.” Antigua and Barbuda: Department of GoAB. 2016. Evidence (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act (No. 18 Environment. https://environment.gov.ag/assets/uploads/ of 2016). http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/No.-18-of- attachments/85b0f-gcf-fp_antigua-and-barbuda_build_annex-06_ 2016-Evidence-Special-Provisions-Amendment-No.-2-Act-2016.pdf. esiamp_clean_18-may-2020.pdf. GoAB. 2017a. Barbuda Land (Amendment) Act. http://laws.gov.ag/ DoGA. 2017. The Antigua and Barbuda CEDAW Report. Antigua and wp-content/uploads/2019/03/No.-41-of-2017-BARBUDA-LAND- Barbuda: Directorate of Gender Affairs. https://genderaffairs.gov.ag/ AMENDMENT-ACT2c-2017-For-Assent-1.pdf. uploads/1494248893ANTIGUA%20&%20BARBUDA%20CEDAW%20 GoAB. 2017b. Disabilities and Equal Opportunities Bill. https://www. REPORT.compressed.pdf. ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=107733&p_ DoGA. 2019. Antigua and Barbuda Review of the Beijing Declaration count=4&p_classification=05. and Platform for Action: 2014-2019. Antigua and Barbuda: Directorate of Gender Affairs. https://www.cepal.org/sites/default/files/informe_ GoAB. 2018a. “Hurricane Irma Recovery Needs Assessment: A Report beijing25_antigua_y_barbuda.pdf. by the GoAB.” https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/publication/ Antigua%20and%20Barbuda%20executive%20summary_print_ Energy Globe Award. 2015. “National Winner Antigua and Barbuda text%282%2 9.pdf. 2015.” https://www.energyglobe.info/national/winner/antiguabarbuda. GoAB. 2018b. Trafficking in Persons (Prevention). http://laws.gov.ag/ GFDRR. 2017. Hurricane Irma and Maria Recovery Needs Assessment wp-content/uploads/2019/02/a2010-6.pdf. for Antigua and Barbuda. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. https:// www.gfdrr.org/en/publication/hurricane-irma-and-maria-recovery- GoAB. 2019a. Environmental Protection and Management Act. needs-assessment-antigua-and-barbuda. http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/No.-10-of-2019 Environmental-Protection-and-Management-Bill-2019.pdf. GoAB. 1975. Labour Code. http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/ uploads/2018/08/cap-27.pdf. GoAB. 2019b. Social Protection Bill. http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/ uploads/2019/03/Social-Protection-Bill-2.pdf. GoAB. 1992a. Emergency Power Act. http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/ uploads/2018/08/cap-147.pdf. NODS. 2017. Country Document for Disaster Risk Reduction: Antigua and Barbuda, 2016. St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: National Office GoAB. 1992b. Public Utilities Act. http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/ of Disaster Services. https://www.preventionweb.net/files/54920_ uploads/2018/08/cap-359.pdf. annex04drrcdantiguaandbarbuda.pdf. GoAB. 1995a. National Solid Waste Management Authority Act. http:// NODS. 2018. Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems Report for Antigua laws.gov.ag/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/a1995-10.pdf. and Barbuda. St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: NODS. https://www. GoAB. 1995b. Sexual Offences Act (No. 9 of 1995). http://www2. cdema.org/component/jdownloads/send/28-antigua/158-multi-hazard- ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/42538/79312/F1146620290/ early-warning-systems-report-for-antigua-and-barbuda-2018. ATG42538.pdf. UNFPA. 2017. “UNFPA Responds as Entire Population of Barbuda GoAB. 1995c. Slum Clearance and Housing Act. http://laws.gov.ag/ Evacuated Following Hurricane Irma.” UNFRA. https://www.unfpa.org/ wp-content/uploads/2018/08/cap-404.pdf. news/unfpa-responds-entire-population-barbuda-evacuated-following- hurricane-irma. GoAB. 2002. Disaster Management Act. https://www.preventionweb. net/files/21374_15285disasterlawsofantigua20021.pdf. White, Gavin. 2019. “Final Evaluation: IFRC Hurricane Irma Response Operation (Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis).” IFCR. GoAB. 2003. Physical Planning Act. http://laws.gov.ag/wp-content/ uploads/2018/08/a2003-6.pdf. https://reliefweb.int/report/antigua-and-barbuda/final-evaluation-ifrc- hurricane-irma-response-operation-antigua-barbuda. GoAB. 2007. National Youth Policy. https://www.youthpolicy.org/ national/Antigua_Barbuda_2007_National_Youth_Policy.pdf. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 43 | Appendix B. Country profile: Belize The policy, from a DRM perspective is aimed “to address the gender dimensions of disaster preparedness and mit- B.1. National policies on gender equality, women igation processes and respond adequately to the gender and girls’ empowerment, and GBV related vulnerabilities of women and men in times of di- The Government of Belize (GoB) has adopted and sasters” (ibid.). Specifically, the policy mandates the Na- amended various policies addressing gender equality tional Disaster Management Strategy to include the fol- issues, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV since lowing elements: (i) sex-disaggregated data followed by 2010 (table B.1). gender analysis, (ii) prioritized evacuation of women and children, (iii) rapid restoration of family life, (iv) immediate In Belize, the Women’s Department and the National assessments of disaster social impacts and the related re- Women’s Commission (NWC) are coordinating agencies sponses, (v) assessments of mental health and provision for mainstreaming gender across all government agen- of the related services, including psychosocial services, ac- cies, policies, and programs. Both agencies are located cess to food, shelter, clothing, and recreation for children, within the Ministry of Human Development, Social Trans- and (vi) special protection and support measures for preg- formation and Poverty Alleviation. Among the CRF coun- nant women, for men who engage in high-risk rescue tries, Belize was the first to develop a national gender missions, and for women who are first responders (ibid.). policy in 2002 that was revised in 2013. The five priority areas outlined in the policy include health, education and Finally, the National Gender Policy calls for action skills training, wealth and employment creation, violence to develop and implement special measures for the producing conditions, and power and decision making prevention, mitigation, and monitoring of GBV and (National Women’s Commission of Belize 2013). other forms of exploitation of various vulnerable groups Table B.1. Belize’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS CONTENT National Gender Policy (2002, It identifies the inequities experienced by both men and women, and suggests strategies revised in 2013) to correct gender disparities. It also reveals Belize’s commitment to mainstream gender in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the National Disaster Preparedness Response Plan and other related policies. GENDER EQUALITY Labour (Amendment) Act (2005) It amends Sections 177 and 178 of the Labour Act to increase the maternity leave entitlement from twelve weeks to fourteen weeks on full pay. National Youth Development It is aimed to increase access to opportunities for leadership and self development that Policy (2012) promote their overall well-being. It also pays attention to protection of children from abuse and protection of young persons with disabilities. National Development It contains a number of specific goals such as: to create greater opportunities for Framework, (2010–2030) women and youth employment; to provide financial and other support to CSOs addressing critical health issues affecting women and children; and to encourage women’s participation in politics. Domestic Violence (Protection It creates a wide range of remedies aimed at reducing the number of DV incidents. Orders) Act (2007) GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE Criminal Code, Chapter 101 It contains provisions addressing sexual offenses, kidnapping, abduction, forced (Revised in 2000) marriage, and abandonment. Families and Children Act (1998) It ensures that children, particularly girls, are placed in safe living environments, and prescribes measures against child abuse. Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) It prescribes measures to prevent and combat human trafficking by: protecting victims; Act (2013) facilitating the efficient investigation of cases and effective punishment of traffickers; and promoting cooperation with other states. National Gender-Based Violence It outlines mechanisms for policy, legislation, multi-sectoral collaboration, Plan of Action (2017–2020) implementation, prevention, data collection, and tracking the progress on GBV. | 44 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility (ibid.). Belize’s GBV legislative framework has undergone B.2. National and sector DRM and climate change important changes including the adoption of the 2013 laws, policies, and plans and the status of their Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act (GoB 2013), the gender integration development of the 2017–2020 National Gender-Based Most of Belize’s national disaster-related policies have no Violence Plan of Action (GoB 2017), and the formation gender-specific content; however, at the sector and agency of a Sexual Offences Unit in the Police Force. However, levels, various efforts were applied to integrate a gender despite these changes, GBV victims often do not receive perspective into DRM policies and plans (table B.2). adequate protection measures and the associated responsive care, treatment, and support services (CDB The responsibility for DRM lies with the National Emergency 2016b). For example, some of the gaps include limited Management Organization (NEMO). It has developed a availability of medical professionals helping GBV victims, multi-sectoral emergency response plan which operates difficulties in presenting evidence in court, and inadequate at the community, district, and national levels. In addition, forensic evidence gathering techniques (ibid.). the Ministry of Health developed a disaster mitigation plan focused on psychosocial intervention for the most Table B.2. Belize’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT Disaster Preparedness and Response Act It does not include gender-specific content. (2000) National Climate Change Policy, Strategy It does not include gender-specific content. GENERAL DRM and Action Plan (2016) Nationally Determined Contribution under It does not include gender-specific content. the UNFCCC (2016) Policy on Adaptation to Global Climate It does not include gender-specific content. Change (2001) National Hazard Mitigation Plan (2008) It does not include gender-specific content. Environmental Protection Act (2011) It does not include gender-specific content. Solid Waste Management Authority Act It does not include gender-specific content. (2000) Land Utilization Act (2000) It does not include gender-specific content. National Integrated Water Resources Act It does not include gender-specific content. (2011) National Forest Policy (2015) It is based on the principle of active participation of women, men, youth, SECTOR/AGENCY DRM the elderly, and vulnerable or disadvantaged groups in the forest sector development. It mandates to develop robust community institutions to ensure the adequate representation and participation of women and vulnerable groups as well as the equitable sharing of forest benefits and responsibilities. National Environmental Policy and Strategy It calls for effective social inclusion to protect vulnerable groups and to involve (2014–2024) women fully in decision making. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action It mandates that the ecosystems that provide essential services of water, Plan (2016–2020) health, livelihoods, and well-being be restored and safeguarded, considering the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, the poor, and the vulnerable. National Agricultural and Food Policy of It focuses on inclusion of large, medium, and small-sized farm holders with Belize (2015–2030) an emphasis on gender and youth. It makes a commitment to mainstream gender, youth, other social factors, and other cross-cutting emerging issues in agriculture and food development programs. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 45 | vulnerable populations (CDB 2016a). At the sector level, Despite these efforts, however, senior government are several examples of policies aimed at improving officials indicated in the 2016 Caribbean Development inclusion, active participation, and integration of women, Bank evaluation that their capacity to conduct gender young people, the elderly, and vulnerable groups into the analysis and their budgets for gender mainstreaming planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation were very limited (ibid.) as evident from a significant of the related programs. These examples include the number of national and sector policies lacking gender- 2015 National Forest Policy (GoB 2015), the 2014–2024 specific content in DRM. This finding suggests the National Environmental Policy and Strategy (GoB 2014), urgency for additional training programs for government the 2016–2020 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action officials on gender analysis, gender-sensitive budgeting, Plan (Ministry of Agriculture 2016), and the 2015– and gender-related topics. Such measures are particularly 2030 National Agricultural and Food Policy (Ministry of important for disaster-related initiatives such as housing Agriculture 2015). The development of these documents programs, because “women form the majority of persons was also based on an all-inclusive process. For example, living in poor housing, and they are especially vulnerable the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan was because of their lower levels of income and their higher developed through a participatory process, which included levels of unemployment” (UNDP 2009). In an effort to women, youth, NGOs, CSOs, and other stakeholders. address these issues, the Ministry of Housing has been working to improve poorer households’ access to social At the same time, Belize’s key policies on climate housing and home improvement grants, with a focus on change are gender neutral. For example, the 2016 women’s needs (Pebbles 2011). Yet, data are lacking on Nationally Determined Contribution under the UNFCCC the effectiveness of such programs for women in Belize. (GoB 2016), the 2009 National Adaptation Strategy to Address Climate Change in the Water Sector (Caribbean B.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation Community Climate Change Centre 2009), and the 2015 At the national and community levels, the NWC National Adaptation Strategy to Address Climate Change provides extensive training and support for women to in the Agriculture Sector (Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries increase their empowerment, political participation, and and Sustainable Development 2015) do not contain any leadership. At the same time, the continued prevalence of provisions that specifically address the needs of women or violence against women in Belize suggests the imperative other vulnerable groups. for more targeted education and awareness raising campaigns related to GBV and domestic abuse (UN B.3. Implementation and practice Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against The Women’s Department is responsible for the Women 2007). In addition, despite various environmental implementation of various programs and provision of education programs, some evidence points to insufficient services related to women and girls’ empowerment, knowledge of both men and women about climate support for GBV victims, and other social services. It has change and the related hazards. The 2016 Knowledge, offices in six districts across Belize and convenes the Gender Attitudes and Practice Study on Climate Change showed Integration Committee, comprising representatives of that a significant number of respondents in Belize were the NWC, governmental agencies, NGOs, and CSOs unable to identify specific impacts of climate change on responsible for the implementation of the National their communities as well as their key causes (J-CCCP Gender Policy (CDB 2016a). The NWC is another agency 2016c). In 2016, 51.1 percent of respondents indicated responsible for coordinating the implementation, that the GoB had to lead the way to address climate monitoring, and evaluation of gender-related programs change, and 71.1 percent of them agreed that the (ibid.) In 2006, the GoB appointed gender focal points to government needed to increase awareness about climate increase ministries’ capacity to integrate gender into their change impacts on communities (ibid.). programs. Collectively, they form the Gender Focal Points Committee, with its primary responsibility to implement gender integration activities (ibid.). | 46 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility B.5. Women’s participation and leadership As for women in leadership roles, both the Women’s The GoB takes increasing efforts to involve women Department and the NWC are headed by women. The and representatives of various vulnerable groups number of women in DRM decision-making positions is, in the policy-making process. For example, women however, limited. For example, in the NEMO, only one provided their vision in the consultation meetings for (out of ten district emergency coordinators) is a woman, the development of Belize’s Horizon 2030 National while all three regional emergency coordinators are Development Framework (GoB 2010). In addition, men (NEMO 2020). Belize has also the traditionally low are the efforts of various women’s organizations that representation of women in government (CDB 2016a); focus on women and girls’ empowerment such as the only three female ministers out of total twenty serve at the Belize Family Life Association, the Cotton Tree Women’s ministerial level: Minister of State in Immigration Services Group, Fajina Chairladies, the LEAP Women’s Group, and Refugees; Minister of State with responsibility for the Progressive Organization for Women in Action, the Labor, Local Government, and Rural Development; and Young Women’s Christian Association, among many Minister of State in Investment, Trade and Commerce others. Together, these organizations form the Women’s (GoB 2020). Issues Network of Belize (WIN-Belize) that serves as a coordinating focal point for advocacy campaigns on B.6. Gaps and recommendations gender-responsive policies and programs. For example, The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps WIN-Belize commissioned the development of a manual in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing used in training programs for governmental agencies gender disparities (table B.3). responsible for gender mainstreaming efforts (Women’s Department 2009). Table B.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Belize. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Legislation, Lack of a gender perspective in most DRM policies Amend disaster-related policies to include a gender policies, and and programmatic plans. perspective. plans Inadequate incorporation of gender in the food and Raise awareness among policy makers about the nutrition agenda. disproportionate vulnerability of women to disaster Lack of gender consideration in climate change plans. impacts. Provide technical assistance to environment- responsible agencies to build capacity in gender mainstreaming, ensuring that gender-based considerations form part of their planning and response strategies. Sex- Insufficient information about gender-differentiated Strengthen collection of data on disaster impacts, disaggregated disaster impacts. disaggregated by sex and other key variables related data and Lack of information on the number of women in to vulnerable groups. gender-specific DRM and climate change-related decision-making Enhance data collection on the number of women in research processes. DRM decision-making processes. Lack of data on unpaid domestic work. Develop time-use surveys to measure unpaid work performed by women and men periodically. Gender-based Inadequate protection measures for GBV victims Expand the services provided to GBV and DV victims violence as well as limited responsive care, treatment, and and survivors. support services. Increase the allocation of human, technical and financial resources dedicated to the responsible agencies and increase support for NGOs and CSOs that address GBV. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 47 | GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Institutional The increasing levels of structurally high Ensure the effective implementation of the strengthening unemployment, especially among women and youth, prohibition of discrimination against women through that impact their safety nets in disaster situations. appropriate enforcement mechanisms and sanctions. Limited efforts to integrate child and gender Develop initiatives to boost women’s incomes, sensitivity into ongoing public programs. employment, particularly in agriculture and the food Limited monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to sector, enhance their access to health care, critical support gender-mainstreaming initiatives. services, and improve their resilience. Strengthen tools to integrate child and gender- responsive budgeting into governmental DRM programs. Improve monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support gender mainstreaming initiatives. Advocacy and Insufficient coverage of special needs and protection Include tools and techniques to support people with education measures to support various vulnerable groups HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, and members of through training programs. the LGBTI community in disaster-related training Lack of awareness raising campaigns about the programs. importance of gender-sensitive budgeting. Organize workshops on child and gender-responsive budgeting to increase the knowledge of relevant policy makers and social development practitioners about financing child and gender related policies and programs in DRM. Partnerships in Limited efforts to include women and women’s Establish a dialogue platform to discuss challenges DRM organizations in climate change programs in the most and opportunities for women in agriculture through a affected areas, particularly in agriculture. Belizean Chapter of the Caribbean Network of Rural Limited partnerships with CSOs and NGOs that Women Producers or similar regional associations. address critical issues affecting women and children, Enhance partnerships with CSOs and NGOs that particularly GBV. address critical issues affecting women and children, particularly pregnant teenagers and young women who are vulnerable to or are victims of GBV or HIV/ AIDS. Social inclusion Lack of evidence-based policies on inclusion of ethnic Increase involvement of community-based groups minorities, indigent people, people with disabilities, (village councils, women’s groups, youth groups, HIV/AIDS, and members of the LGBTI community in and underprivileged or marginalized groups such as DRM programs and decision-making processes. handicapped, senior citizens, and HIV/AIDS groups) Registered violations of Maya peoples’ right to into programs related to DRM and climate change. property, land, and equality. Involve Maya communities in decision-making processes, particularly about their collective rights to land traditionally used in Belize. Women’s Insufficient women’s participation and leadership in Target and remove gender-biased criteria or participation DRM and climate change activities. processes of decision-making bodies, and strengthen and leadership Marginalization of Belize’s women in political mechanisms to increase women’s participation and participation because of a culture of exclusion, lack of leadership in DRM and climate change activities. community support, competing family responsibilities, Enhance opportunities for youth and women in and bias within political structures. politics. | 48 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility References GoB. 2015. National Forest Policy. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/ Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre. 2009. National pdf/blz149121.pdf. Adaptation Strategy to Address Climate Change in the Water Sector GoB. 2016. Intended Nationally Determined Contribution under the in Belize. Belmopan, Belize: Caribbean Community Climate Change United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. http:// Centre. extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/blz187242.pdf. CDB. 2016a. Country Gender Assessment of Belize. Caribbean GoB. 2017. National Gender-Based Violence Plan of Action, 2017– Development Bank. https://www.caribank.org/publications-and- 2020. https://www.nationalwomenscommissionbz.org/wp- resources/resource-library/gender-assessments/country-gender- assessment-belize-2016. content/uploads/2018/06/National-Gender-Based-Violence-Plan-of- Action-Book.pdf. GoB. 1998. Families and Children Act No. 17. https://www. ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=50986&p_ GoB. 2020. Ministers. https://www.belize.gov.bz/. country=BLZ&p_count=156&p_classification=04&pclasscount=4. J-CCCP. 2016c. Knowledge Attitudes and Practice Survey on Climate GoB. 2000a. Criminal Code, Chapter 101. https:// Change: Belize. https://www.undp.org/content/dam/barbados/docs/ caribbeanmigration.org/repository/belize-criminal-code-chapter-101- Publications/undp_bb_BLZ_KAP_knowledge_attitudes_and_practice_ revised-edition-2000. study_on_climate_change_in_belize.pdf. GoB. 2000b. Disaster Preparedness and Response Act, No. 10. http:// Ministry of Agriculture. 2015. National Agricultural and Food Policy extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/blz22383.pdf. of Belize 2015-2030. Belmopan, Belize: The Government of Belize. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/blz171041.pdf. GoB. 2000c. Land Utilization Act. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/ pdf/blz2768.pdf. Ministry of Agriculture. 2016. National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2016 – 2020). Belmopan, Belize: The Government of GoB. 2000d. Solid Waste Management Authority Act. http:// Belize. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/blz167539.pdf. extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/blz33194.pdf. Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and Sustainable Development. 2015. GoB. 2001. Policy on Adaptation to Global Climate Change. National Adaptation Strategy to Address Climate Change in the Belmopan, Belize: Government of Belize. Agriculture Sector in Belize. Belmopan, Belize: The Government GoB. 2005. Labour (Amendment) Act. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/ of Belize. https://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/wp-content/ natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=77419&p_country=BLZ&p_ uploads/2018/03/1082.pdf. count=156&p_classification=16&p_classcount=4. National Women’s Commission. 2013. National Women’s GoB. 2008. National Hazard Mitigation Plan. http://site.nemo.org.bz/ Commission of Belize. 2013. The Revised National Gender Policy, wp-content/publications/Search_Rescue_and_Evacuation_Plan.pdf. Part 2. March 2013. https://oig.cepal.org/sites/default/files/ belize_2013national_gender_policy.pdf. GoB. 2010. Horizon 2030: National Development Framework, 2010-2030. http://med.gov.bz/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/ NEMO. 2020. “Emergency Coordinates.” http://site.nemo.org.bz/ Horizon2030PreparationandImplementationProcess.pdf. emergencies/. GoB. 2011a. Environmental Protection Act. Belmopan, Belize: Pebbles, D. 2011. Belize Country Gender Assessment 2011. Government of Belize. Caribbean Development Bank. GoB. 2011b. National Integrated Water Resources Act. http:// United Nations. 2006. Common Country Assessment: Belize, 2005. extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/blz194033.pdf https://www.preventionweb.net/files/9741_8291CCABelize.pdf. GoB. 2012. National Youth Development Policy of Belize. http:// UNDP. 2009. Enhancing Gender Visibility in Disaster Risk www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/strategy/bz_strategy/bz_ Management and Climate Change in the Caribbean. UNDP. https:// National_Youth_Development_Policy_2012.pdf. www.undp.org/content/dam/rblac/docs/Research%20and%20 Publications/Crisis%20Prevention%20and%20Recovery/UNDP_ GoB. 2013. Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act. https://www. RBLAC_GenderAndRiskManagCaribbean.pdf. traffickingmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/legal-resources/belize/ Belize-TIP-Act-2013.pdf. Women’s Department. 2009. Country Report on Gender Equality. Belize: Government of Belize. GoB. 2014. National Environmental Policy and Strategy, 2014-2024. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/blz168888.pdf. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 49 | Appendix C. Country profile: Dominica gender equality, and putting forward masculinity concerns and male gender gaps in society. Two of the nine key areas in its National Gender Policy and Action Plan 2014–2024 C.1. National policies on gender equality, women are: (i) climate change, natural disasters, and natural and girls’ empowerment, and GBV resource management, and (ii) violence and security The Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), under the Ministry (National Gender Policy and Action Plan 2006). Dominica of Social Services and Community Development and has made significant strides towards gender equality Gender Affairs, ensures that policies, plans, and programs with the development of various laws, plans, and policies are in place to improve the status of women and men, in addressing gender equality issues, women and girls’ collaboration with the government and NGOs (BGA 2020). empowerment, and GBV (table C.1). Its focus is on women and girls’ rights and empowerment, Table C.1. Dominica’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS CONTENT National Gender Policy and It puts forward policy measures and actions to address the gender-related disadvantages Action Plan (2014–2024) that women continue to face as well as male gender gaps and vulnerabilities in nine key areas. Two of these are: (i) climate change, natural disasters, and natural resource management, and (ii) violence and security. EQUALITY Protection of Employment Chapter 89:02 of the Act provides protection for all categories of workers. GENDER Act, (1977) Labour Contract Act (1983) Chapter 89–04 of the Act provides for employment security for all persons above age 18, entitlements to maternity leave, and pay entitlements during periods of absence. National Youth Policy (2004) Its mission is to create a framework ensuring that young men and women in Dominica grow up with a sense of belonging and worth, and are empowered to participate fully in the social and economic development of the nation, including DRR and gender equality. Protection Against Domestic It provides protection against physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, or financial abuse GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE Violence Act (2001) committed by a person against a spouse, child, and any other person who is a member of the household, dependent, or parent of a child of that household. Sexual Offences Act (1998) The Act recognizes a wide range of offences, and has provisions geared at offering greater protection to women, children, and persons with disabilities. The 1977 Protection of Employment Act provides National efforts to reduce GBV in Dominica are many. protection for all workers and the Labour Contract Act The 2014 National Gender Policy and Action Plan works (1983) provides for employment security for all persons to facilitate social and domestic peace and reduce the above 18, including entitlements to maternity leave and levels of violence in the society (GoCD 2014), as does pay entitlements during periods of absence. However, the 2004 National Youth Policy, which affords the right both Acts exclude home assistants and agricultural of protection from any kind of abuse, coercion, violence, workers, the majority of whom are women. They are, and exploitation (GoCD 2004). The 2001 Protection therefore, not represented by a labor union, unable to Against Violence Act recognizes a wide range of offences negotiate better wages and conditions of employment, and has provisions to protect children and women and are particularly susceptible to sexual harassment (ILO against sex trafficking. However, the 2017 post-disaster 2017). The National Youth Policy (2004) includes youth needs assessment reveals that one of the recovery needs in action on climate change, environmental sustainability, and strategy remains capacity building and psychosocial and disaster mitigation as well as in youth social inclusion support for victims, given that the causes of violence are and diversity (Camarinhas and Eversley 2017). prevalent, including consequences of loss of employment on the household, shelters that are not designed with gender considerations, and an increase in drug and alcohol use (GoCD 2017). | 50 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility C.2. National and sector DRM and climate change of the NEPO, organizes counter-disaster activities. The laws, policies, and plans and the status of their ODM falls under the Ministry of Public Utilities, and the gender integration Director reports directly to the Permanent Secretary in The National Emergency Planning Organization (NEPO) is the Ministry of Public Utilities (GoCD 2014). Dominica’s the state agency established to plan and coordinate the national disaster-related laws have limited gender-specific management of disasters in the country. The Office of contents (table C.2). Disaster Management (ODM), the implementation arm Table C.2. Dominica’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction The plan mainstreams DRM into policies, plans, and sustainable (2018–2022) development programs at all levels, with its main focus on disaster prevention, risk reduction, preparedness, and mitigation of vulnerability, with specific attention to women and children. Emergency Powers Disaster Act, Chapter 15:03 It does not contain gender-specific content. (1978, revised in 1987) Comprehensive Disaster Management Bill (2014), It provides a framework for preparedness, prevention, mitigation, the Comprehensive Disaster Management Act and response activities to an emergency situation associated with (2014), Comprehensive Disaster Management anthropogenic disasters or technological incidents on the island. With the GENERAL DRM Regulations (2014), Disaster Relief and exception of the Early Warning Systems Regulations, there is no gender- Assistance Regulations (2014), Comprehensive specific content. Disaster Management (Volunteers) Regulations (2014), Comprehensive Disaster Management (Evacuation) Regulations (2014), and Early Warning Systems Regulations (2014) National Disaster Plan (2006) It does not include gender-specific content. National Hurricane Management Plan (2006) It does not include gender-specific content. Climate Change National Adaptation Policy It does not include gender-specific content. (2002) National Emergency Management Plan (NEMP) It does not include gender-specific content. (1986, 2001, revised in 2009) Disaster Preparedness for the Agriculture Sector It does not include gender-specific content (2006) National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 Its three strategic elements are environmental protection, social (2018) development, and economic development and transformation. The strategy includes gender equality and Kalinago indigenous people’s rights SECTOR / AGENCY DRM and perspectives as cross-cutting issues and DRM as a goal. Third Medium Term Growth and Social It is a medium term strategic framework for fiscal policy, economic Protection Strategy (2012-2014) growth strategies, poverty reduction, and social protection with gender equality and DRM as priority areas. National Land Use Policy (2014) It is intended to provide direction for land use planning in Dominica. It proposes the registration of indigenous people’s land rights to engender further socio-economic development of the indigenous people. Low Carbon Climate-Resilient Strategy (2012) It aims at furthering efforts in the transformation to green economy. It integrates climate change, DRR, and gender equality. It also contains recommendations for actions to address the vulnerabilities of women to climate change in pre- and post-disaster settings. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 51 | Dominica’s existing legal framework for DRM is captured National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 (NRDS) in the 1987 Emergency Powers (Disaster) Act (Chapter is underpinned by the need for attention to disaster 15:03), which gives the President the authority to declare preparedness and strengthening of resilience at all levels a state of emergency and take necessary action to respond of the Dominican society. Some of the NRDS’s DRM to disasters, and the 2000 National Disaster Act which strategies to reduce the duration and severity of poverty concentrates on preparedness and response arrangements. and to enhance the poor’s (the majority of whom are Recognizing that Dominica’s disaster legislation is focused, women) coping capacity entail: (i) further developing Dominica has been in the process of finalizing a draft service delivery to victims of GBV, child abuse, mental Comprehensive Disaster Management Bill since 2014 with health, and substance abuse; (ii) linking employment the assistance of CDEMA, as it recognizes limitations in opportunities to resilient livelihoods with a focus on single its disaster legislation that leans more to emergency and mothers, women, and at-risk youth; and (iii) improving disaster response rather than on disaster risk reduction data collection, data management, and mapping of (DRR) (Katafono 2018). The Bill includes the 2014 Early the most vulnerable by location, sex, type of disability, Warning System Regulation, which is gender responsive. and functional capacities to improve structured support It provides for assessment of vulnerability and capacity by systems and services for them during disasters or considering gender and equity, and ensures that warnings emergencies (GoCD 2018). will be gender responsive and culturally appropriate. The Third Medium Term Growth and Social Protection The National Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy 2012–2014, while not a development or 2018–2022 proposes to reduce the disaster risk by operational plan, is a national framework that informs strengthening disaster recovery plans to include socio- sector strategies. It encompasses gender, culture, youth psychology training programs to minimize the adverse and sports as well as environmental and vulnerability impact on the victims, particularly women and children management such as cross-cutting sectors. However, in post-disaster times. Some aspects of DRR and gender two major obstacles to general social protection and equality are captured in Dominica’s Low Carbon Climate- shock-responsive social protection are the lack of a data Resilient Development Strategy 2012–2020 (Climate management system and the lack of a unique citizen Investment Funds 2012). This strategy integrates identifier, with no documented criteria for eligibility and climate change, DRR, and gender equality and contains no clear processes for beneficiary selection (Beazley 2018). recommendations for actions to address the vulnerabilities of women to climate change in pre- and post-disaster Many of Dominica’s DRM policies and plans do not have situations. These actions consist of the design of gender considerations. Some of them are the 2010 emergency shelters, inclusion of women and girls in National Integration Water Resources Management Policy vulnerability assessments and risk management, and the (Draft), the 2009 DRM Plan, the 2009 National Emergency provision of social safety nets such as microfinance and Management Policy, the 2009 National Shelter Policy, the microinsurance to women. The strategy is coordinated 2004 National Environment Policy/National Environment through the Council for Environment, Climate Change Management Strategy, and the 2002 Physical Planning and Development. It comprises a technical working Act, Damage Assessment Policy, Emergency Housing group to ensure participation by non-state male and Policy, Relief Supplies Policy (GoCD 2014). female actors, and is designed as an evolving, flexible framework ensuring its regular revisions. It subsumes a C.3. Implementation and practice specific annex targeted at indigenous groups and women Most of Dominica’s disaster policies before, during, and within indigenous groups, and their specific risks and after a disaster are gender blind, that is, the differential vulnerabilities to climate change. social and economic statuses of women, men, girls, and boys are ignored. Women represent the majority among Some gender considerations are also present in the unemployed and the poor, and the size of female- national strategies and policies pertinent to DRM. The headed households is generally larger compared to other | 52 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility households (UNDP 2009). These factors increase risk and in emergency communications (IOM 2019); tackling vulnerability to the effects of disasters on poor women, GBV (Oxfam); implementing emergency cash transfer children, the indigenous population, the disabled, and program (after Hurricane Maria), with unconditional cash the elderly (ibid.). The impact of Tropical Storm Erika and transfers provided to almost 25,000 people, including Hurricane Maria has exacerbated gender inequalities, 6,000 children, launched by UNICEF and the World Food including, but not limited to, access to resources for Programme (Beazley 2018); and developing gender- women farmers, access to health care for women and responsive multihazard EWS (UNDP, CDEMA, and IFRC men, economic empowerment for women, especially 2019). those in lower socio-economic sectors, and increasing levels of GBV (GoCD 2018). C.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation Dominica’s ODM, with the support of International Dominica does not have policies or practices for Organization for Migration (IOM), trained community collecting disaster-related sex-disaggregated data. Data members in January 2019 on the use of amateur radios are collected on persons affected and on damage to (ham radios), emergency communications, and other buildings and property, but this is not disaggregated related topics to ensure that communities are aware, by sex or age, which severely limits the quality of the prepared, and able to communicate in the event of an information available to guide and plan interventions emergency or disaster. Following IOM’s age-gender- to help individuals rebuild their lives. Sex disaggregated diversity approach, participants in the radio trainings data specific to the immediate impact of Hurricane Maria represented diverse ages and included women and men, remains a challenge. However, robust baseline data with special effort to ensure that the training includes come from the Government of the Commonwealth of people with disabilities through the Dominica Association Dominica (GoCD) with the launch of CARICOM gender of People with Disabilities (DAPD) (IOM 2019). equality indicators (GoCD 2017). Most warnings on the island are connected to hydromet The 2019 UNHCR Dominica Report notes that after events or health threats, but are not always gender Hurricane Maria, the Bureau of Women’s Affairs sensitive unless the threats are directly related to gender implemented a project to respond to life-saving, sexual such as the Zika virus, and the high risk posed to pregnant and reproductive health needs of women and adolescent women is very specifically and clearly announced (NEMO girls (ECLAC 2017). Specifically, the report states that 2018). “the Bureau recognizes the heightened risks of GBV post- event due to poor lighting, lack of privacy in shelters, and C.5. Women’s participation and leadership the stress placed on social structures” and that it “aims The representation of women in political positions of to develop improved Standard Operating Procedures power and decision making, particularly at the national to prevent and respond to GBV after emergencies and level, has remained persistently minimal (GoCD 2018). The distributed dignity kits” (ibid.). The report also notes that ODM has a small staff of four persons to oversee disaster the Gender Policy was updated to reflect adverse climatic prevention and management activities for the entire conditions experienced in the country (ibid.). country (Beazley 2018). The leadership and technical staff are male, while the single support staff member is female The GoCD is working with international NGOs and (ibid.). agencies, with a view to making DRR more gender responsive: integrating gender equality and human-rights The Dominica National Council of Women (DNCW), based approaches into DRR, climate change adaptation, established in 1986, promotes the rights of Dominican and environmental management frameworks and women. The agency has a staff of three persons, all of interventions; addressing the gender gaps, and ensuring whom are women. The DNCW concentrates on issues equal access to DRR and environment solutions for of domestic violence, but has since been a central men, women, boys, and girls (UNDP 2019b); training force in assisting women affected by disasters. This Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 53 | new function advises women on matters, ranging from C.6. Gaps and recommendations how to file insurance claims for property loss to how The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps to access welfare after a disaster. The DNCW has also in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing collaborated in organizing disaster prevention activities gender disparities (table C.3). such as community-based workshops to promote proper waste disposal to reduce the risk of waterways and roads being blocked by garbage (UNDP 2009). Table C.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Dominica. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Lack of system-wide application of gender • Develop a DRM and gender-responsive social protection equality principles and goals in DRM national policy and strategy. laws, policies, and plans. • Develop a national post-disaster shelter and welfare • Lack of legal provisions for unpaid domestic policy. work and agricultural workers. • Include provisions in the Protection of Employment • Lack of acknowledgments of existing family Act and the Labour Contract Act for home assistants, structures and social realities, or value domestic employees, and agricultural workers. Legislation, common law partners’ in-kind contributions to • Amend the legal framework to include common-law policies, and family life. unions, especially for women who are housewives, i.e., plans those who have provided care work for their partner, children, and families, and who are not entitled to benefits upon the breakdown of the union. • Promote the use of gender-responsive and gender- inclusive language in disaster legislation, government documents, and educational and public awareness materials. • Lack of sex-disaggregated data collection and • Establish clear systems, protocols, and guidelines for gender-sensitive research and analysis in DRM. collecting, collating, and analyzing sex-disaggregated • Inadequacies in the collection of other sex- data in all sectors related to disasters. disaggregated data. • Ensure high quality and timely data on children and • Lack of gender-sensitive research and analysis families, sufficiently and securely stored and maintained Sex- by relevant stakeholders, the public and to facilitate quick responses to shocks. disaggregated private sectors and civil society. • Develop data in the full publication of the population data and census and for credit services by banks and other credit gender- institutions. specific • Update the 1995 agricultural census data. research • Fund gender-responsive research on the gendered impacts of climate change and disasters. • Ensure gender-responsive vulnerability data are sufficiently mapped for all relevant hazards and include vulnerability of locations such as rural, urban, coastline, and elevated settlements. • Lack of public awareness on GBV prevention • Launch an education campaign on domestic violence Gender-based before and after disasters. during disasters. violence • Build capacity for GBV and psychosocial support for GBV survivors after disasters. | 54 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Lack of human and financial resources for • Raise awareness among policy makers on the gender integration in DRM. vulnerability of women, men, girls, and boys in pre- and • Lack of gender assessments by sector for post-disaster situations. DRM. • Provide social safety nets, including microfinance and • Lack of comprehensive analysis on microinsurance to women in rebuilding their homes, Dominica’s vulnerability to disasters through businesses, and lives after an event. a standardized methodology in a single • Increase BGA’s human and resource capacity to integrate document or database that would inform gender equality in all areas of national and sectoral on gender, disability, age differentiated data, development and budgeting. social and cultural norms, and vulnerability of • Establish clear systems, protocols, and guidelines for infrastructure, sectors and systems. gender monitoring and evaluation related to disasters and climate change in Ministries. • Conduct gender assessments for DRM by sector. • Integrate gender equality in EWS with hazard Institutional assessments and mapping strengthening • Initiate a comprehensive Risk Assessment for Dominica, i.e., Hazard, Vulnerability, Capacity Assessments (HVCAs), with mass participation of the Dominican public and particularly including critical disaster-prone areas. • Ensure national standard for conducting HVCAs, and refer to data collected pertaining to a multitude of critical factors—age, gender, disability, indigenous knowledge and history, social and cultural norms, communication channels, land use, infrastructure, coping and adaptive capacities, economic and livelihoods profile, assets, and critical needs. • Create livelihood recovery interventions for women whose livelihood was subsistence farming through grants or cash for work programs. • Lack of gender-responsive disaster • Launch an information and education campaign on Advocacy and preparedness and recovery information and gender in disasters for the general public. education education materials and campaigns. • Lack of diverse partnerships for gender • Create partnerships with the National Women’s Council, integration in DRM. the DAPD, youth groups, private sector agencies, NGOs, Partnerships and CSOs and individuals (including in the Kalinago in DRM Territory), with special skills for disaster preparedness and recovery. • Limited gender sensitization of ethnic • Provide gender equality and DRM sensitization programs minorities. for Kalingo leaders and communities. Social • Lack of inclusion of marginalized groups in • Provide participatory mechanisms to enable marginalized Inclusion decision-making, consultations, and actions. groups, such as the homeless, children, HIV/AIDS- infected persons, and the disabled to be included in aspects of disaster preparedness and recovery. • Lack of women in leadership positions in DRM • Increase opportunities of NGOs and CSOs for and in preparedness and recovery activities. mentorship and training women in leadership and Women’s decision making. participation and leadership • Increase women and girls’ active involvement and leadership at all stages of the DRM cycle through UNICEF programs. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 55 | References GoCD. 2018. “National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 of Dominica.” Dominica, Ministry of Planning and Economic Beazley, Rodolfo. 2018. Study on Shock- Responsive Social Protection Development, Roseau. http://www.dominica.gov.dm/images/ in Latin America and the Caribbean, Dominica Case documents/national_resilience_development_strategy_2030.pdf. Study. Oxford Policy Management. https://docs.wfp.org/api/ IOM. 2019. “Dominica supports Country’s Office of Disaster documents/WFP-0000104577/download/. Management (ODM) Improve Emergency Preparedness of BGA and Gender Advisory Committee. 2011. National Communities.” Roseau. https://rosanjose.iom.int/SITE/en/news/ Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE). Kingstown,Jamaica: The iom-dominica-supports-countrys-office-disaster-management-odm- Government of Jamaica. https://www.nlj.gov.jm/files/u8/NPGE-JA- improve-emergency-preparedness. FINALwCover21311.pdf. ILO. 2017. Fundamental Conventions Gap Analysis Matrix: Dominica. Camarinhas, Catarina, and Dwynette Eversley. 2017. Caribbean Geneva: ILO. https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---americas/- Synthesis Report on the Implementation of the Lisbon Declaration on --ro-lima/---sro-port_of_spain/documents/genericdocument/ Youth Policies and Programmes. Studies and Perspectives Series Draft. wcms_577372.pdf. Santiago. ILO. 2018a. Gender at Work in the Caribbean: Country Report for Climate Investment Funds. 2012. Dominica Low-Carbon Climate- Dominica. Geneva: ILO. https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/- Resilient Strategy 2012-2020. http://www.deromilly.com/pdfFiles/ --americas/---ro-lima/---sro-port_of_spain/documents/publication/ DOMINICA%20Low%20Carbon%20Climate%20Resilient%20 wcms_651946.pdf. Strategy%20%20(Final).pdf. Katafono, R. 2018. “Comparative Analysis of Disaster Risk ECLAC. https://www.cepal.org/sites/default/files/events/files/draft_ Reduction and Management in Dominica and Vanuatu: Lessons caribbean_synthesis_report_on_the_implementation_of_the_lisbon_ for Small States.” Small States Digest, No. 2018/01. https://doi. declaration_on_youth_policies_and_programmes.pdf org/10.14217/6f77cc82-en. GoCD. 2006. National Policy and Action Plan for Gender Equity National Women’s Commission. 2013. The Revised National Gender and Equality in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Ministry of Social Policy, Part 2. March 2013. https://oig.cepal.org/sites/default/ Services, Community Development and Gender Affairs, Bureau of filesbelize_2013national_gender_policy.pdf. Gender Affairs. Prepared by Patricia Mohammed, Centre for Gender NEMO. 2018. Multi- Hazard Early Warning Systems Gaps Report: and Development The University of the West Indies St. Augustine, Dominica. Prepared by Gelina Fontaine. Roseau, Dominica: Trinidad and Tobago. June 2006. https://americalatinagenera.org/ newsite/includes/fichas/politica/DOMINICA.pdf. NEMO. https://www.cdema.org/component/jdownloads/send/29- dominica/159-multi-hazard-early-warning-systems-gaps-assessment- GoCD. 1978. Emergency Powers Disaster Act (Chapter 15:03). report-for-the-commonwealth-of-dominica-2018?option=com_ http://www.oas.org/en/sedi/dsd/elpg/pastProjects/Documents/ jdownloads. DominicaFINAL.pdf. ODM. 2014. Commonwealth of Dominica Disaster Risk Reduction GoCD. 2012. Third Medium Term Growth and Social Protection Country Profile. Roseau, Dominica: ODM. http://dipecholac.net/docs/ Strategy: Redoubling the Effort towards a Sustainable Development files/786-cd-dominica-web.pdf. Pathway, 2012-2014. Government of Dominica, Ministry of Finance. https://competecaribbean.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Third- UNDP. 2019b. Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, Climate Medium-Term-Growth-and-Social-Protection-Strategy-Dominica- and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean: ENGenDer Project revised-draft.pdf. Description. https://www.bb.undp.org/content/barbados/en/home/ projects/EnGenDER.html. GoCD. 2014. Draft National Gender Policy and Action Plan 2014- 2019 (updated). Government of Dominica, Ministry of Social Services, UNDP, CDEMA, and IFRC 2019. Strengthening Early Warning Systems Community Development and Gender Affairs, Bureau of Gender in the Caribbean. https://www.latinamerica.undp.org/content/rblac/ Affairs. en/home/library/environment_energy/strengthening-early-warning- systems-in-the-caribbean-early-warni.html. GoCD. 2014b. Commonwealth of Dominica Disaster Risk Reduction Country Profile. Prepared by Amonia Paul-Rolle for Dominica Office Women’s Bureau. 2006. National Policy and Action Plan for Gender for Disaster Management (ODM). http://dipecholac.net/docs/ Equity and Equality in the Commonwealth of Dominica. Government files/786-cd-dominica-web.pdf. of Dominica, Women’s Bureau, Ministry of Community Development, Gender Affairs and Information. http://americalatinagenera.org/ GoCD. 2004. Dominica Youth Policy. https://www.youthpolicy.org/ newsite/includes/fichas/politica/DOMINICA.pdf. national/Dominica_2004_National_Youth_Policy.pdf. | 56 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix D. Country profile: Grenada D.1. National policies on gender equality, women amended various policies addressing gender equality and girls’ empowerment, and GBV issues, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV since The Government of Grenada (GoG) has adopted and 2000 (table D.1). Table D.1. Grenada’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS CONTENT Gender Equality Policy and It intends to promote gender equality, equity, social justice, and sustainable development Action Plan (2014–2024) in Grenada, involving boys, girls, men, and women as equal citizens, and participants in the political, economic, environmental, social, and cultural life, with equal rights, benefits, privileges, and responsibilities regardless of sex, color, creed, opinion, or any other distinctions. It contains a specific section on climate change, natural disasters, and natural resource management. GENDER EQUALITY Employment Act (1999) It ensures equal pay for equal work for men and women. National Insurance Act (1983, It is a compulsory, contributory scheme to which employees pay 6% of their monthly amended in 2011) earnings and employers pay 5% of their monthly payroll. Domestic workers are ineligible to receive these benefits because of their inability to contribute to the scheme. National Youth Policy (2003) It sets goals and strategies for youth development, with a focus on increasing opportunities for youth leadership and self development. It also pays attention to protection of young persons with disabilities. Strategic Development Plan It identifies gender issues, environment, and poverty as its priority program areas. It sets (2004) specific goals, objectives, and strategies for youth development, gender equality, GBV, and sustainable development, among other topics. Domestic Violence Act (2010) It creates a wide range of remedies aimed at reducing the number of DV incidents in Grenada. Criminal Code (Amendment) It contains provisions addressing sexual offenses, including provisions on marital rape. GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE (2012) Child (Protection and It ensures that children are placed in safe living environments, and prescribes measures Adoption) Act (2010) against child abuse. Prevention of Trafficking in It prescribes measures to prevent and combat human trafficking by: protecting victims; Persons Act (2014) facilitating the efficient investigation of cases and effective punishment of traffickers; and promoting cooperation with other states. National Strategic Plan It outlines mechanisms for policy, legislation, multi-sectoral collaboration, implementation, to Reduce Gender-based prevention, data collection, and tracking the progress on GBV. Violence (2017) In Grenada, the Division of Gender and Family Affairs is a economy (ibid.). In this regard, the GEPAP mandates to coordinating agency for mainstreaming gender across all incorporate gender sensitivity in both disaster response government agencies, policies, and programs. This division and disaster preparedness to address the needs of is located within the Ministry of Social Development, different vulnerable groups and persons with special Housing and Community Empowerment. Its key objectives needs (ibid.). are to implement the Gender Equality Policy and Action Plan (GEPAP) and provide technical assistance for gender Furthermore, the GEPAP mandate requires to develop mainstreaming activities. As a strategic objective, the and implement special measures for the prevention, GEPAP distinguishes the integration of gender equality mitigation, and monitoring of GBV and other forms of into DRM, climate change, and their related strategies to exploitation of various vulnerable groups (ibid.). The facilitate men and women’s complementary roles in green Division of Gender and Family Affairs devotes significant Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 57 | efforts to fight against GBV. It has a special Gender-based to Reduce Gender-based Violence (GoG 2017c) contains Violence Unit, which provides psychosocial support to specific strategies and actions to reduce GBV in Grenada. adult female and male victims and survivors of GBV and domestic abuse. It also engages women, men, girls, and D.2. National and sector DRM and climate change boys in activities to prevent GBV at the national and local laws, policies, and plans and the status of their levels. Grenada amended its Criminal Code about sexual gender integration offences in 2012 (GoG 2012), and adopted the 2010 Domestic Violence Act (GoG 2010b), the 2010 Child Grenada has made efforts to incorporate gender (Protection and Adoption) Act (GoG 2010a), and the 2014 considerations into its national policies; however, at the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (GoG 2014b) as sector level, most DRM and climate change policies still legislative measures. Finally, the National Strategic Plan have no gender-specific content (table D.2). Table D.2. Grenada’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT Disaster Preparedness Plan (2005) It does not include gender-specific content. National Disaster (Emergency Powers) Act It does not include gender-specific content. (1991) National Climate Change Policy for It mandates the National Climate Change Committee to involve the private Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique sector, CSOs, and NGOs in climate change activities, with specific attention (2017–2021) given to youth and gender groups. GENERAL DRM National Climate Change Adaptation It requires the Community Climate Change Adaptation Fund to add gender Plan for Grenada, Carriacou and Petite consideration in its funding, operational procedures, requirements, and Martinique (2017–2021) community-based calls for proposals. It also mandates to analyze and report on progress addressing gender through the monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities. Aligned National Action Programme It contains specific objectives and the related outcomes aimed at increasing for Grenada’s Commitment under the involvement of women’s organizations, youth, and communities in DRM and United Nations Convention to Combat climate change programs. Desertification and Drought (2015) Drought Management Plan (Draft, 2019) It recognizes the important role of women in DRM. National Hazard Mitigation Plan (2003) It does not include gender-specific content. Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment and It does not include gender-specific content. a National Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan to Address Climate Change in the Water Sector of Grenada (2014) Waste Management Act (2001) It does not include gender-specific content. SECTOR / AGENCY DRM Land Development and Utilization Act It does not include gender-specific content. (1981) Physical Planning and Development Control It does not include gender-specific content. Act (2002) Information and Communication It fosters the development of ICT to the benefit of less advantaged groups such Technology (ICT): A Strategy and Action as women, older workers, and persons with special needs. Plan for Grenada (2006) National Biodiversity Strategy and Action It does not include gender-specific content. Plan (2016–2020) Food and Nutrition Security Policy (2013) It mandates to create an enabling environment for the policy based on the principles of fair compensation and gender sensitivity, and free of child labor. | 58 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility The responsibility for DRM lies with the National Disaster climate change and building a green economy (ibid.). Management Agency of Grenada (NaDMA). The National Specifically, the plan mandates to make special efforts Emergency Advisory Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, to enlist a women’s representative and women’s functions as a high-level, multisectoral oversight body organizations into the related implementation programs. that guides policy and planning for DRM. While Grenada’s The GoG is considering this plan. DRM policies analyzed in this desk review do not have gender-specific content, at least three climate change D.3. Implementation and practice programmatic documents recognize the importance The 2014 country evaluation of DRR in Grenada identified of a gender perspective for enhanced resilience. Thus, several gaps in the implementation of disaster and climate the 2015 Aligned National Action Programme for change programs. For example, the evaluation found no Grenada’s Commitment under the UN Convention to formal vulnerability assessments at the community level. Combat Desertification and Drought is based on the Instead, Grenada’s district coordinators were guided by principle of an inclusive participatory process to address historical precedent and expert knowledge (NaDMA climate change (GoG 2015a). Importantly, it contains the 2014). Gender considerations were not fully integrated 2015–2020 implementation plan, which outlines specific into these activities despite that district coordinators tried outcomes and the related actions. One of the outcomes to incorporate the needs of vulnerable segments of the refers to action plans to develop the necessary capacity to population, including women, the elderly, young people, address land degradation and drought at the individual, and persons with chronical conditions and physical and institutional, and systemic levels. As a set of actions, it mental challenges (ibid.). At the national level, the needs includes the development of a standardized gender- of vulnerable groups were not adequately addressed sensitive methodology for multihazard mapping and either, although few programs made special provisions vulnerability and risk assessments (VRAs) (ibid). Another for vulnerable groups in DRM (ibid.). outcome outlined in the implementation plan is related to the involvement of various CSOs and the scientific The GoG has intensified its efforts to integrate gender community as stakeholders in activities that address land considerations into DRM and climate change resilience degradation and drought (ibid.). For example, it proposes projects. Thus, the Division of Gender and Family Affairs to increase the number of women’s groups involved in was actively involved in discussions and consultations the related activities from zero in 2013 (baseline) to two related to projects and proposals submitted to the Green in 2020, while it plans to increase the number of youth Climate Fund (GCF), whose gender policy requires inclusion groups from one in 2013 to seven in 2020 (ibid.) of a gender perspective in climate change initiatives (Division of Gender and Family Affairs 2019). One of the Further, the 2017 National Climate Change Adaptation key objectives of these consultations was to ensure that Plan contains the requirement for the Community all project proposals for the GCF reflect adequate gender Climate Change Adaptation Fund to include gender analyses, gender action plans, and gender-responsive considerations in its funding, operational procedures, monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Grenada has requirements, and community-based calls for proposals also committed to the participation in the regional (GoG 2017a). It also mandates to analyze and report project “Enabling Gender-Responsive Disaster Recovery, on progress made to address gender issues through Climate and Environmental Resilience in the Caribbean” the monitoring and evaluation of adaptation activities. (EnGenDER). The implementation of this project is The 2019 Drought Management Plan also recognizes expected to provide technical support for gender equality the importance of women for climate change resilience policy mainstreaming to agencies responsible for the because they are more vulnerable to droughts due development and implementation of gender-responsive to their primary responsibility for water collection in and inclusive national adaptation plans (NAP) and Grenada (GoG 2019). The plan points to the importance nationally appropriate mitigation actions. of special measures to involve women in drought management and to integrate gender equality into Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 59 | D.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation whole population should be targeted for climate change At the national level, the Division of Gender and Family education, with particular attention to women, persons Affairs dedicates significant efforts to raising awareness with low educational levels, and the elderly (GoG 2017). about gender equality, women and girls’ empowerment, their political participation, and leadership. The Gender- D.5. Women’s participation and leadership based Violence Unit within the Division also conducts In Grenada, various women’s organization and CSOs advocacy campaigns aimed at ending all forms of GBV in participate actively in national and regional discussions on Grenada. According to the National Strategy to Reduce gender equality, women’s rights, child protection, support GBV, several national campaigns have been implemented of people with disabilities, and environment. They in Grenada on the existing protocols, legislation, and the include, for example, the Grenada National Organisation corresponding duties and obligations of stakeholders, of Women (GNOW); the Legal Aid and Counselling responders, and individuals (Division of Gender and Family Clinic; the Program for Adolescent Mothers; the Grenada Affairs 2019). These campaigns comprised the distribution Planned Parenthood Association; the Inter-Agency Group of information, education, and communication materials of Development Organisations; and the GrenCap which such as brochures, information sheets, and cards. The promotes LGBTI rights. Some of them were able to Royal Grenada Police Force and the Child Protection influence DRM and climate-change-related policy making. Authority also conducted various programs in schools on The Inter-Agency Group of Development Organisations the issue of child sexual violence (ibid.). and the GNOW, for instance, are identified as key stakeholders in the Agriculture Drought Management The GoG also implements education programs to Plan (GoG 2019). The GNOW also contributed to the empower citizens, in particular women and girls, with the development of the Aligned National Action Programme knowledge about achieving climate change objectives set for Grenada’s Commitment under the United Nations in the NAP. For example, a special workshop on “Gender Convention to Combat Desertification and Drought (GoG Sensitivity for Climate Finance Project Writing” was 2015). organized in 2019 for governmental agencies, NGOs, private sector entities, and other stakeholders within the The Ministry of Social Development, Housing and program funded by the GCF. Its objective was to enable Community Empowerment and its Division of Gender relevant stakeholders to mainstream gender equality and Family Affairs and are headed by women. As its in project proposal writing (Division of Gender and strategic goal, the GEPAP proposes to achieve gender Family Affairs 2019). However, at the community level, parity (50-50 male–female representation) or 40 percent some evidence indicates insufficient knowledge among of either sex at all levels of decision making in Grenada’s Grenada’s men and women about climate change and society (Division of Gender and Family Affairs 2019). the related hazards. Thus, the 2016 Knowledge, Attitudes Information about the number of women in disaster and and Practice Study on Climate Change showed that a climate change management positions is absent. At the significant number of respondents (62.2%) felt that they ministerial level however, Grenada has achieved its goal needed more information about climate change (J-CCCP of 40 percent. Six out of the fifteen ministries are headed 2016a). In addition, only few respondents considered by women (GoG 2020). themselves “very well informed” about climate change issues, while approximately a quarter of respondents D.6. Gaps and recommendations indicated that they did not know enough regarding The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps what could be done to reduce climate change and in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing protect themselves from the related hazards (ibid.). The gender disparities (table D.3). Climate Change Plan for Grenada recognizes that the | 60 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Table D.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Grenada. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Legislation, • Lack of a gender perspective in most DRM • Amend DRM policies to include gender considerations. policies, and policies and programmatic plans. • Raise awareness among policy makers about the plans • No gender analysis for social safety net disproportionate vulnerability of women to disaster impacts. programs on food and nutrition security • Provide technical assistance to environment-responsible such as a specialized focus on the agencies to build their capacity in gender mainstreaming, unemployed youth, unemployed women ensuring that gender-based considerations form a significant with children, and mentally-ill persons. part of their planning and response strategies. Sex- • Insufficient information about gender- • Strengthen collection of data on disaster impacts, disaggregated differentiated disaster impacts. disaggregated by sex and other key variables of vulnerable data and groups. gender-specific • Lack of information on the number of research women in DRM and climate change- • Enhance data collection on the number of women in disaster related decision-making processes. and climate change management positions. • Limited disaggregation of data by gender • Strengthen collection of data disaggregated by sex and other or age to define groups vulnerable to key variables of groups vulnerable to food and nutrition food and nutrition insecurity. insecurity. • Lack of data on unpaid domestic work. • Develop time-use surveys periodically to measure unpaid work performed by women and men. Gender-based • Inadequate protection measures for GBV • Expand the services provided to GBV and DV victims. violence victims as well as limited support services. • Increase the allocation of resources dedicated to the responsible agencies, NGOs, and CSOs that address GBV. Institutional • Lack of incentives to achieve economic • Develop initiatives to boost vulnerable groups’ incomes, strengthening independence, especially among the poor employment, enhance their access to health care, critical women and men. services, and improve their resilience. • Few programs with special provisions for • Strengthen tools to integrate child and gender-responsive vulnerable groups in relation to DRM. budgeting into governmental DRM programs. • Lack of a standardized gender-sensitive • Develop and standardize a gender-sensitive methodology for methodology for multihazard mapping multihazard mapping and VRAs. and VRAs. Advocacy and • Insufficient discussions on gender equality • Conduct continuous public awareness campaigns about education in policymaking, planning, and developing the importance of women and other vulnerable groups for programs related to water management, building capacity and enhancing resilience to climate change, waste management, land management, using a range of media targeted to specific audiences–radio, renewable energy, clean transportation, television, theatre, and social media. and other environmental topics. • Organize workshops on child and gender-responsive • Lack of awareness raising campaigns budgeting to increase the knowledge of relevant policy about the importance of gender-sensitive makers and social development practitioners about financing budgeting. child and gender-related policies and programs in DRM. Partnerships in • Only a brief mention of stakeholders • Develop partnerships with various CSOs and NGOs to work DRM in the draft of the National Disaster in collaboration with the NaDMA on the development and Management Plan. implementation of the National Disaster Management Plan. • Limited efforts to create partnerships with • Enhance partnerships with CSOs and NGOs that address women’s organizations in climate change critical issues affecting women and other vulnerable groups. programs in the most affected areas. Social • Lack of evidence-based policies on • Increase involvement of community-based groups—village inclusion inclusion of ethnic minorities, indigent councils, women’s groups, youth groups, and underprivileged people, people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, or marginalized groups such as handicapped, senior citizens, and members of the LGBTI community in and HIV/AIDS groups—in programs on DRM and climate disaster and climate change programs and change. decision-making processes. Women’s Insufficient women’s participation and Target and remove gender-biased criteria or processes of participation leadership in DRM and climate change decision-making bodies, and strengthen mechanisms to increase and leadership activities. women’s participation and leadership in DRM and climate change activities. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 61 | References GoG. 2013. Food and Nutrition Security Policy. http://www. 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Criminal Code. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4. detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=95182. | 62 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix E. Country profile: Guyana E.1. National policies on gender equality, women implementation of key actions, a strong cadre of women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV in public life, special measures to empower women Guyana’s major achievement in gender equality and economically, and the advancement of Amerindian the empowerment of women is its comprehensive legal women (GoGy 2020). Table E.1. shows Guyana’s key legal framework complemented by institutional mechanisms for acts in this area. Table E.1. Guyana’s key legislation, policies, and plans on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS CONTENT National Insurance and It allows for a 13-week-long maternity leave that cannot start earlier than six weeks before Social Security Act (1969) the expected delivery date (paragraph 29(1)). Maternity benefits may be extended beyond 13 weeks, if a certificate is issued by a medical practitioner showing health conditions related to the pregnancy and delivery that prevent a mother’s return to work (paragraph 31(b)). Equal Rights Act (1990) It specifically focuses on sex discrimination, with particular attention to sex discrimination in employment and equal remuneration. Prevention of Discrimination It focuses on discrimination in the workplace, including employment, training, recruitment, Act (1997) and membership of professional bodies, and equal remuneration to men and women who perform work of equal value. Termination of Employment It protects women workers during pregnancy and after childbirth from disciplinary action and Severance Pay Act or dismissal for pregnancy, or reasons connected with pregnancy. In addition, a pregnant GENDER EQUALITY (1997) employee is guaranteed the right to return to her job and to reclaim all previously assigned duties. Occupational Safety and A pregnant employee has the right to adjustment to her working conditions, once her Health Act 141 (1997) employer is notified about her condition. These accommodations are to ensure that she is not subjected or exposed to the use of chemicals or substances, or other working conditions detrimental to her health or that of her unborn child. National Policy Paper on While not a policy, it is central to gender mainstreaming as it places the issue on the national Women (2006) agenda and reflects the government’s commitment to a number of principles, including the improvement of the economic and social position and situation of women in Guyana. Representation of People’s It ensures that a minimum of one-third female candidates are included on each electoral list (Amendment) Act (2000) (Section 11B, Articles 5-7). National Gender Equality It is the framework to guide the implementation of appropriate mechanisms, policies, and and Social Inclusion Policy protocols to address issues of gender inequality and social exclusion. It promotes Guyana’s (NGESIP) (2018–2025) development by improving the capacities and opportunities for diverse groups of women, men, girls, boys, and other vulnerable groups based on a framework that will foster the dignity of these groups. Domestic Violence Act It provides for protection, occupation, and tenancy orders; arrest and bail, assistance to (1996) DV victims and the role of Director of Human Services; the ownership of property, and the GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE protection of mortgage. Prevention of Discrimination It states that sexual harassment is a form of unlawful discrimination based on sex (Section 8). Act (1997) Prevention of Crimes Act It allows for the mandatory supervision of persons convicted of domestic violence, (2008) molestation, rape, sexual exploitation, pornography, incest, prostitution, and kidnapping. Combatting Trafficking of It provides for comprehensive measures to combat sex and labor trafficking in persons, and Persons Act (2005) sets out criminal offences as well as measures to protect victims of trafficking. Sexual Offences Act (2010) It provides that both females and males can be charged with offences and can make complaints about victims of offences. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 63 | The institutional mechanisms for gender equality and inclusion mainstreaming in climate adaptation and include the Women’s Affairs Bureau (WAB), which was mitigation strategies in DRM (GoGy 2020). established in 1981 as the national focal point for women and development. Guyana’s parliament appointed the NGESIP also seeks to eliminate violence against women and Women and Gender Equality Commission in 2010 that children by: (i) increasing social awareness and education is one of the five Constitutional Rights Commissions on the rights of women, children, vulnerable groups, and provided for under the revised 2003 Constitution. The hinterland communities; (ii) creating a framework for the Commission addresses gender issues, promotes the protection of women with legal reforms, adequate judicial advancement of women in society, and investigates and measures, and victims’ assistance to eradicate physical makes recommendations to the Parliament. It receives and psychological abuse and harassment as well as complaints, reports on issues affecting both women and physical violence and mutilation; (iii) reforming legislation men, and examines policies and programs that affect the to eliminate discriminatory laws and regulations, and elimination of all forms of discrimination against women. introducing new legislation to punish hate crimes; (iv) eradicating discriminatory and prejudicial social patterns The Men’s Affairs Bureau (MAB) was established in 2011 that violate girls’ rights, particularly early age marriage to focus on the issue of male absenteeism–given that practices; and (v) eliminating discriminatory and prejudicial many households are headed by women—to address social practices that promote gender harassment in public men’s traditional norms and practices associated with spaces, schools, and workplaces (ibid.). GBV, and to confront the low achievement of boys. The WAB and the MAB merged into a single entity called the Significant GBV legislative and policy advances in Guyana Gender Affairs Bureau (GAB) in 2015, under the authority include the 2019 Sexual Offences Act and the Gender of the Ministry of Social Protection, thus shifting the focus Policy for the Judiciary, with judicial requirements for all from women to gender (ILO 2018b). cases involving violence against women, men, girls, and boys, in that they must go to the courts. The Ministry of Guyana’s gender policy, the National Gender Equality Social Protection’s Counter Trafficking in Persons Unit also and Social Inclusion Policy 2018–2025 (NGESIP), is works on GBV issues. Guyana’s National Plan of Action being finalized. It aims to mainstream gender issues in for the Prevention and Response to Trafficking in Persons all sectors, thereby eliminating all negative economic, 2017–2018 was launched in 2017, with detailed activities social and cultural practices that impede equality and to enhance the prevention of trafficking in persons, equity (GoGy 2020). For the first time, the policy includes protection of victims and prosecution of suspected gender considerations of the environment in DRM (ibid.; offenders through partnership among stakeholders IUCN 2020). Specifically, the policy mandates gender (Equal Rights Trust 2012). | 64 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility E.2. National and sector DRM and climate change into many of its national disaster-related policies, and laws, policies, and plans and the status of their reflected in provisions on promotion of gender and gender integration inclusion mainstreaming in DRR as well as in climate Guyana has progressed in integrating gender equality change adaptation and mitigation strategies (table E.2). Table E.2. Guyana’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT National Climate Change It addresses gender, vulnerable communities, and indigenous peoples across its entirety and Policy and Action Plan requires the collection of sex-disaggregated data. (2020–2030) National Integrated Disaster A key activity is for the design of other relevant policies—such as the evacuation shelter Risk Management Plan and management policy, relief policy, donations policy, and waste disposal policy—and revision of Strategy (NIDRMP) (2013) the existing legislation to ensure comprehensive integration of gender. Disaster Risk Management It is a human rights-based policy, which mainstreams elements of equality and disparity, and Policy (Draft, 2013) gender issues. It also provides for DRM psychosocial issues. Disaster Risk Management It includes the establishment of the Natural Resources and Environment Cabinet Sub- Bill (Draft, 2013) Committee to advise and recommend the Cabinet on DRM issues, climate change and gender. It provides for the education and training of personnel of government, financial institutions, and local government units in emergency response and preparedness with a strong focus on gender responsiveness. It includes a code of conduct for volunteers to treat each individual with whom they come into contact with courtesy regardless of gender and GENERAL DRM sexual orientation. National Multi-Hazard It follows a human rights-based and protection approach, and calls for development Disaster Preparedness and interventions to address core issues that result in the equal improvement in the quality of life Response Plan (2012) for boys, girls, men, and women. Damage Assessment and It does not include gender-specific content. Needs Analysis Plan, Policy and Framework (2010) National Flood Response Its principles include gender-sensitive and equitable distribution of resources. The recovery and and Preparedness Plan rehabilitation phases provide opportunities to promote gender equality within communities, (2012) more evenly distributed ownership of assets, and to improve the condition and position of women and other vulnerable groups. Yet, they do not contain specific details. National Early Warning It recognizes that different groups have different vulnerabilities, according to culture, gender, Systems in Guyana or other characteristics that influence their capacity effectively to prepare for, prevent, and Framework (2012) respond to disasters, e.g., those living very remotely such as the Amerindians in the interior. However, there are no specific activities or provisions for gender. National Evacuation Plan It gives priority to evacuate a seriously injured and sick people, pregnant women, (2017) handicapped or disabled persons, elderly persons, children, and women. Low Carbon Development It provides for the support of micro and small enterprises and vulnerable groups such as Strategy (2008–2010, women, and calls for working closely with agencies responsible for building alternative updated in 2013) livelihoods for vulnerable groups such as the Women’s Advisory Bureau, the Rural Women’s SECTOR / AGENCY DRM Network, and the Ministry of Agriculture. National Land Use Plan It does not include gender-specific content. (2013) National Health Sector It does not include gender-specific content. Disaster Plan (2009) National Biodiversity It states that by 2020, ecosystems that provide essential services and services related to Strategy and Action Plan water that contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being, will be restored and safeguarded, (2012–2020) considering the needs of women, indigenous and local communities as well as the poor and vulnerable. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 65 | The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is responsible for the may be branded as partisan” (ILO 2018b). In addition, overall coordination of the NIDRMP, which sets the design the institutions responsible for gender programming for the integration of gender into all relevant policies— lack adequate resources and have faced considerable such as the evacuation shelter management policy, relief instability (ibid.). Also prevalent is the general perception policy, donations policy, and waste disposal policy—and that the legal system is ineffective in protecting the rights into the revision of existing legislation. of the population in general, and specifically in protecting women and girls’ rights against discrimination and The National Climate Change Policy and Action Plan violence (GoGy 2020). 2020–2030 encompasses the DRR sector, and its policy objectives are to: (i) integrate gender relations Evidence supports the number of disaster-related and women’s participation in all aspects of watershed national policies and plans in DRM that have gender management; and (ii) drive for social equity for vulnerable considerations, but lack the capacity and resources groups, including women. It recognizes women’s role in to implement them. The CDC does not have a gender agriculture, which is affected by climate-related floods strategy or policy document. Since the CDC relies heavily and drought. The policy prioritizes risk and vulnerability on consultants hired by donor agencies for activities assessments to identify gender-sensitive strategies, such as risk identification and mapping, EWS, disaster and requires sex-disaggregated data incorporated in communications, evacuation procedures, shelter and background analyses, baselines, and indicators. It also interim housing, and recovery and reconstruction, it contains a provision of access to funds, grants, loans, was assumed that these donor agencies are guided by and resources directly to women. The aim is to remove international standards that take gender into account socio-cultural norms limiting women from acquiring (UNDP 2009). the information and skills necessary to escape or avoid hazards, and to increase women’s knowledge and Guyana is working with the UNDP to integrate gender and expertise in climate mitigation, disaster reduction, and reduce gender gaps in DRM: (i) decrease vulnerabilities adaptation strategies (GoGy 2019). and bolster DRM capacity, and address gaps in gender analysis, hazard, and risk data, and (ii) implement the The 2013 draft National Multi-Hazard Disaster EnGenDER project on the “EnGen Gender-Responsive Preparedness and Response Plan integrates gender and Disaster Recovery, Climate and Environmental Resilience GBV considerations and community participation in the in the Caribbean (2019–2022)” (UNDP 2019a). Guyana is design and planning of its sub plans: medical services, also working with the United Nations Institute for Training shelter management, EWS, evacuation, and preparedness and Research and the United Nations Operational Satellite and response crosscutting issues. The EWS contains relief Applications Programme on the “Strengthening Disaster management of food and non-food items, water and Management Capacity of Women in the Cooperative sanitation, protection and security in shelter (Civil Defence Republic of Guyana project (2018–2021)” (UNITAR 2018). Commission 2013a). Overall, Guyana uses a participatory The latter prioritizes women and indigenous groups, and approach, inclusive of women and men in the planning, aims to implement gender-responsive EWS, since women development, implementation, and management of DRR in Guyana’s agricultural sector are disproportionately and climate change policies and programs (ECLAC 2017). affected by the loss of assets and crops after a disaster. The project will also ensure gender-responsive data E.3. Implementation and practice collection and analysis to help inform policy making Guyana’s institutions and initiatives to promote gender (UNITAR 2018; ECLAC 2017). In addition, Oxfam equality face many challenges. For example, a report by conducted a gender-responsive Participatory Capacity the International Labor Organisation states that “one and Vulnerability Assessment study in 2009 that collected is the overall political climate, which is divided along sex-disaggregated data on deaths, damages, and losses party and ethnic lines, so attempts at social change resulting from disasters in Guyana (UNDP 2009). | 66 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Guyana announced in 2019 that under the UN’s On the institutional front, the Guyana Women’s Leadership “Spotlight Initiative,” it will receive €4.5 million to end all Institute (GWLI), under the Ministry of Social Protection, forms of violence against women and girls, and to ensure works year round to promote and to support women and that they realize their full potential in a violence-free, girls as leaders and decision makers at various levels of gender-responsive, and inclusive way (Stabroek News society through education and training. With a view to 2019). The program will be implemented over three years increase women’s participation in disaster preparedness and several communities will be targeted in the coastland and recovery, the GWLI participated in a training and hinterland, and the Amerindians. workshop on the Sendai Framework Monitoring and the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) tools and E.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation their usefulness in the development of Guyana’s Country The National Emergency Operations Centre is activated Work Programme (CWP) for Comprehensive Disaster Risk to coordinate the response, gather information, keep Management in January 2020. records, and analyze data for decision-making, manage operations, manage resources, and disseminate public A number of women’s organizations in Guyana work information in the case of an emergency or disaster. on DRM. Women Across Differences (WAD) is an However, the information reviewed so far is gender NGO, comprising a network of women and women’s neutral (Civil Defence Commission 2014b). The CDC organizations committed to individual and social offers a very modest program of public education transformation in Guyana. WAD has partnered with the and information that is not gender specific. The 2013 government in DRM, and has sought to mobilize, train, National Multi-Hazard Disaster Preparedness and and empower women in communities for disasters (UNDP Response Plan does not have gender-specific content in 2009). While it does not maintain sex-disaggregated data its communication plan. However, Oxfam has partnered on damages, deaths, or losses resulting from disasters, it with NGOs in Guyana to give gender-sensitive public relies instead on lead disaster response agencies to provide education on DRR (UNDP 2009). these data. WAD did, however, conduct a small survey of the community of Yarrow Dam on the losses from In an effort to improve emergency response ahead the 2005–06 floods (ibid.). It noted that while women of the 2019 hurricane season, the Organization of showed up for training in DRM during the disaster, it was Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission signed an the men who assumed leadership in coordinating disaster agreement in 2019 with Facebook Caribbean (Khan 2019). response in the communities, even though they were less The agreement allows access by the OECS to Facebook’s familiar with the procedures (ibid.). Another organization, Disaster Maps to pinpoint information about the location Red Thread, is a grassroots women’s organization that of disaster victims that can help relief organizations brings women’s unpaid work issues to DRM. It challenged concentrate their efforts where they are most needed. official narratives of the 2005–06 flood, where grassroots However, the initiative is gender neutral (ibid.). women were not consulted in assessing its impact, while only men working in the productive sector were consulted, E.5 Women’s participation and leadership and women in the social sector were not included (United Caribbean Trust 2007). Guyana has set a relatively high standard for encouraging the participation women in public office, having instituted E.6. Gaps and recommendations quotas for political party lists, and with appointments of women to the judiciary where they are now the majority The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps (UNDP 2015). In the National Assembly, women have in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing accounted for about one-third of the representatives gender disparities (table E.3). since 2011 (ibid.). Guyana is the only country in the anglophone Caribbean to have instituted an electoral gender quota system (UN Women 2018).  Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 67 | Table E.3. Gender gaps in DRM and recommendations for Guyana. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Legislation, Lack of a gender perspective and Amend disaster-related laws and policies to be gender responsive. policies, and cross links in many DRM policies Amend gender-related policies and laws to include gender-responsive plans and programmatic plans. disaster preparedness and recovery issues. Gaps in laws pertaining to Ratify the Workers with Family Responsibilities Convention (No. 156) and maternity, with inadequate the Maternity Protection Convention (No. 183) to provide support for the protection to women or “reproductive” work done by women that often prevents them from full laws failing to consider the participation in the labor force. reproductive labor of women. Sex- Insufficient information about Increase awareness on the importance of sex- and age-disaggregated data disaggregated gender- differentiated disaster to guide disaster preparedness and recovery in gender agencies, DRM and data and impacts. sectoral agencies and NGOs. gender-specific Lack of data on unpaid work. Strengthen the capacity of the GAD and CDC for the collection of statistics research on GBV before and after disasters. Gender-based Lack of public information and Enhance the capacity of the CDC, NEMO, GAD, UN’s Spotlight Initiative, violence education on GBV in disasters. Twitter, and Facebook Caribbean to provide gender-responsive public Lack of statistics on GBV and DV. information and education on GBV for disaster preparation and recovery. Institutional Lack of capacity for sex- and age- Strengthen the capacity of the CDC, GAD, and NEMO for the collection of strengthening disaggregated data for DRM. gender- and age-differentiated disaster data. Insufficient capacity of Develop shock-based and gender-responsive safety nets and social governmental agencies to protection programs for unpaid and domestic work. integrate gender considerations Develop a gender-responsive disaster preparedness program at the Guyana into DRM and create gender- School of Agriculture and in the Rural Women’s Network. responsive safety nets. Strengthen the capacity for gender-responsive psychosocial support after disasters through the Ministry of Social Protection and with UNICEF. Advocacy and Lack of gender-responsive public Increase opportunities and tools for public information and education education information and education on gender-responsive disaster preparedness and recovery in Amerindian campaigns for disaster territories through the CDC, GWLI, WAD, NEMO, GAD, Rural Women’s preparedness and recovery. Network, Twitter, Facebook Caribbean, UN’s Spotlight Initiative, Red Cross, and other NGOs and CSOs as well as sectoral government agencies. Partnerships in Limited efforts by the Enhance partnership with NGOs and CSOs working on women, children, DRM government to build partnerships youth, HIV/AIDS, and agriculture—such as the Society Against Sexual for DRM and climate change Orientation Discrimination and the Rural Women’s Network—for disaster resilience with CSOs. preparedness and recovery and climate change programs. Social Limited policies and programs Ensure the inclusion of Amerindian, Afro- and Indo-Guyanese communities inclusion to include ethnic minorities in decision making and participation for disaster preparedness and recovery. and LGBTI persons in disaster Encourage the engagement of men and boys as strategic allies for achieving preparedness and recovery. gender equality in DRR though volunteer and informal community activities. Lack of inclusion of men and Ensure the inclusion of LGBTI persons and persons with HIV/AIDS in DRM. boys in gender equality work for DRM. Women’s Lack of women in leadership Increase opportunities for the GWLI, WAD, Red Thread, and other NGOs participation positions in DRM and in to provide mentorship and training for women in leadership and decision and leadership preparedness and recovery making for DRM. activities. Increase women and girls’ active involvement and leadership at all stages of the DRM cycle through UNICEF programs. | 68 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility References GoGy. 1997c. Occupational Safety and Health Act. No 32. http:// goinvest.gov.gy/wp-content/uploads/Occupational-Health-and- Civil Defence Commission of Guyana. 2013a. Multi- Hazard Disaster Safety-cap9910.pdf. Preparedness and Response Plan. Georgetown, Guyana:Government of Guyana. GoGy. 2000. National Development Strategy 2002-2010: A Policy Framework- Eradicating Poverty and Unifying Guyana. A Civil Civil Defence Commission of Guyana. 2013b. 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A Study of Women, Politics, Parliaments and Equality in the CARICOM. UNDP. http:// americalatinagenera.org/newsite/images/Where_Are_The_Women_ Guyana2.pdf. | 70 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix F. Country profile: Jamaica F.1. National policies on gender equality, women amended various policies addressing gender equality and girls’ empowerment, and GBV issues, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV since The Government of Jamaica (GoJ) has adopted and 2010 (table F.1). Table F.1. Jamaica’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS CONTENT National Policy for Gender Equality It includes a comprehensive list of strategies and tools to achieve gender equality: (2011) gender mainstreaming; gender-responsive budgeting; gender-aware information; gender analysis; cross-sectoral partnering; gender training; gender-aware monitoring and evaluation, and the legislation of temporary special measures. National Development Plan: Vision It integrates Jamaica’s population concerns such as gender, youth, working 2030 Jamaica (2009) age, the elderly, and persons with disabilities into the development planning. National Development Plan - It develops goals, strategies, and actions for discrimination-free society. It proposes GENDER EQUALITY Gender Sectoral Plan (2009–2030) a DRM strategy aimed at the creation of an integrated, gendered, and sustainable approach to environmental planning, management, and conservation to solve the issue of unequal burdens imposed on women in DRM and recovery. Medium Term Socio-Economic One of its strategies is to foster gender equality, incorporating gender mainstreaming Policy Framework (2018–2021) in all aspects of society and reducing GBV. Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) It recognizes the need to address the barriers that hinder PWDs from achieving their Sector Plan (Draft, 2009–2030) full potential, while promoting personal responsibility among PWDs. National Youth Policy (2003) It identifies key principles such as equity and accessibility, gender inclusion, active participation, youth empowerment, and partnerships. National Policy for Senior Citizens It is intended to enhance the self reliance and functional independence of senior (1997) citizens. Domestic Violence Act (1996, It provides for enhanced protection for GBV and DV victims and makes provision for a amended in 2004) third party to start legal proceedings on behalf of DV victims. Sexual Offences Act (2011) It contains provisions for the prosecution of rape and other sexual offences and for the establishment of a Sex Offender Registry. GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE Child Care and Protection Act It ensures that children, particularly girls, are placed in safe living environments and (2004, amended in 2009) prescribes measures against child abuse. National Strategic Plan to End It outlines mechanisms for policy, legislation, multi-sectoral collaboration, Gender Based Violence (2016– implementation, prevention, data collection, and tracking the progress on GBV. 2026) Evidence (Special Measures) Act It is intended to provide greater protection and security for women and girls who are (2012) victims of crimes. Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, It prescribes measures to prevent and combat human trafficking, particularly to Suppression and Punishment) victims who are women and children by: protecting victims; facilitating the efficient Act (2007, amended in 2013 and investigation of cases; facilitating the effective punishment of traffickers; and 2018) promoting cooperation with other states. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 71 | The Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA) is Jamaica’s responsibility of women as primary caretakers for disaster coordinating agency for mainstreaming gender across mitigation and recovery in DRM (National Gender Task all government agencies, policies, and programs. It Force 2010). It indicates that women “have less access is a division within the Ministry of Culture, Gender, to rehabilitation resources (building materials and labor Entertainment and Sports. The BGA is the key agency to re-build shelters and housing) and have to deal with advocating for and supporting the implementation of reproductive health and sanitation issues,” meaning that the 2011 National Policy for Gender Equality (NPGE). uneven burdens are placed on them in disaster and post- The latter represents a comprehensive policy, containing disaster situations (ibid.). strategies and tools related to gender equality, gender mainstreaming, gender-responsive budgeting, cross- The GoJ adopted a number of new legislative measures. sectoral partnering, gender training, gender-aware The 2004 Domestic Violence (Amendment) Act (GoJ 2004) monitoring and evaluation. The NPGE suggests the and the 2016 Evidence (Special Provisions) (Amendment) importance of involving women in environmental decision Act (GoJ 2016a) introduced greater protection for DV making and integrating gender concerns and perspectives victims in GBV. The 2013 and 2018 Amendments to in policies and programs for sustainable development in the Trafficking in Persons Prevention, Suppression and DRM (BGA and Gender Advisory Committee 2011). It Punishment Act increased penalty for sexual assault and also mandates to strengthen national mechanisms to expanded the definition of exploitation to add similar assess the differential impact of environmental policies on offences, for example, rape and trafficking linked to debt women and men (ibid.). bondage (GoJ 2018). The GoJ also launched the National Strategic Action Plan to Eliminate GBV in 2017 (GoJ 2016). Jamaica’s strategic plans—the National Development Plan, The plan contains five strategic priority areas: prevention, the Gender Sectoral Plan, and the Medium Term Socio- protection, intervention, legal procedures, and protocols Economic Policy Framework—make a strong national for data collection (ibid.). It was developed through commitment to climate action and gender equality consultations with representatives from international (National Gender Task Force 2010; Planning Institute of development partners, NGOs, legal professionals, and Jamaica 2009, 2018). The National Development Plan– academia. Gender Sectoral Plan (2009–2030)—underscores the | 72 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility F.2. National and sector DRM and climate change The GoJ has recently taken various steps to integrate laws, policies, and plans and the status of their a gender perspective into DRM policies at the national, gender integration sector, and agency levels (table F.2). Table F.2. Jamaica’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT Disaster Management Act (2015) It does not include gender-specific content. National Damage Assessment Plan Preparedness activities associated with the damage assessment include anticipating the (2001) needs of the most vulnerable populations as well as data gathering and quantifying vulnerable people. National Hazard Mitigation Policy Strategies for hazard-risk reduction must represent all stakeholders, particularly women aGENERAL DRM (2005) and children, the poor, mentally- and physically-challenged individuals, and other special groups. National Disaster Relief Policy Preparedness activities must include assessments of the number of persons in (2019) vulnerable communities. Nationally Determined Contribution It reflects Jamaica’s commitment to increase inclusiveness and fairness, through its of Jamaica to UNFCCC (2020) integration with the National Policy for Gender Equity. Climate Change Policy Framework It supports gender-equitable development in line with the National Policy for Gender (2015, amended in 2019) Equality. It also supports the abilities of young people to lead the country toward positive, climate friendly changes in lifestyles, infrastructure, entrepreneurship, governance, and decision making. Flood-Water Control Act (1958) It does not include gender-specific content. Land Development and Utilization It does not include gender-specific content. Act (1966) National Solid Waste Management It does not include gender-specific content. SECTOR / AGENCY DRM Authority Act (2002) Urban Planning and Development: The needs of women, children, the elderly, and the disabled must be considered in the Sector Plan (2009–2030) process of planning and undertaking development. Information and Communications It aims to improve disaster preparedness, promote affordable universal access to ICT, Technology Sector Plan (2009– including services to marginalized communities, remote areas, the disabled, and the 2030) elderly. Community Disaster Risk Their objectives are to provide residents with a workable emergency system, a basic Management Plans (2010–2012) outline of shelters, welfare and relief as well as to provide an emergency contact list and identification of vulnerable populations living in communities, women, the elderly, and children. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 73 | At the national level, Jamaica’s DRM program is managed establishment of gender focal points in all government by the National Disaster Committee (NDC) and its six ministries, departments, and agencies, with their key sub committees. The Office of Disaster Preparedness responsibility to implement gender-sensitive programs and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is the main through capacity-building and technical assistance body within the NDC responsible for coordinating the (ibid.). Thus, gender focal points operate in the ODPEM, management of all types of disasters. The ODPEM the Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing, and the developed the National Damage Assessment Plan in National and Environment Planning Agency, and are 2001 that mandates preparedness activities contain directly involved in the sector gender planning process data gathering and quantifying the most vulnerable and action plan initiatives (ibid.). populations as well as assessing their special needs, (ODPEM 2001). Within the Building Disaster Resilient The ODPEM implemented the National Disaster Communities Project, the ODPEM also collaborated Risk Management Volunteer Programme, aimed at with parish councils and parish disaster committees to strengthening the capacity of local communities and develop community DRM plans (ODPEM 2010–2012). maintaining a collaborative DRM system in Jamaica, and The plans cover pre- and post-impact aspects of DRM— tasked to build disaster-resilient communities. The ODPEM prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and trained 117 volunteers in 2017–18 (with a 72:28 female recovery. All of them provide an emergency contact list to male ratio) for various DRM activities (ODPEM 2018). and identification of vulnerable populations living in In addition, ODPEM implemented various programs to communities such as women, the elderly, children, and address the special needs of children in disaster situations other special groups. (Edwards and Morris 2007). In partnership with the Combined Disabilities Association, the ODPEM also took The BGA contributed to the integration of gender special efforts to include persons with disabilities in the concerns and perspectives in a number of sustainable Disaster Preparedness Program through training and development policies and programs such as the Climate technical assistance (GoJ 2009). Change Policy Framework and the Urban Planning and Development: Sector Plan (ECLAC 2015). As a A study of Jamaica’s social protection programs’ coverage result of these initiatives, the Climate Change Division of vulnerable groups shows that these programs are of the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation fully aligned with the CDM (Beazley and Ciardi 2020). In coordinated a highly participatory process with public particular, the Program for Advancement Through Health agencies, international development partners, NGOs, and Education (PATH) proved useful as the country’s CSOs, and private entities to consider strategies, policies, approach to disaster resilience by providing cash grants and initiatives, and to understand the data necessary to affected households after Hurricane Dean in 2007 and for the development of the Nationally Determined Hurricane Sandy in 2012 (Williams et al. 2016). The PATH Contribution of Jamaica to UNFCCC (GoJ 2020). The payment system focuses on various vulnerable groups of resulting document reflects Jamaica’s commitment to children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant increase inclusiveness and fairness by integrating climate and lactating women, and poor adults between the change adaptation activities with the National Policy for ages 18 and 59 (ibid.). Another valuable scheme is the Gender Equity (ibid.). contributory National Insurance Scheme, which provides retirement, invalidity, and survivor benefits in Jamaica. F.3. Implementation and practice The BGA has been working on the implementation of F.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation the gender equality framework through various gender The BGA coordinates various gender equality initiatives mainstreaming initiatives, including staff sensitization and and interventions aimed at raising awareness about establishment of gender committees in various ministries, gender equality issues, particularly among rural departments, and agencies since 2010. (ECLAC 2015). communities. These initiatives comprised public The implementation of the 2011 NPGE also facilitated the education on access to credit, gender relations, poverty, | 74 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility masculinities, women’s empowerment, GBV, and sexual tation programs (National Gender Task Force 2010). For and reproductive health, with emphasis on HIVand example, 77 percent of participants in the 2015 Negril AIDS (ECLAC 2015). Several women’s organizations— Climate Risk Atlas Project were women (ODPEM 2015). the Jamaica Women’s Political Caucus, the Women’s This project focused on community hazard mapping in Leadership Initiative, Women Business Owners and the areas adjacent to the Negril coast to identify the related Association of Women’s Organizations of Jamaica— hazards and project their impacts on various populations are active in providing training in leadership (ibid.). In under specific climate scenarios. Apart from women, the addition, the Women’s Centre Foundation of Jamaica project also included older persons who had knowledge provides a range of supportive education services of the community history and younger persons who for instance, counseling for teenage mothers, their were familiar with development changes in the related parents or guardians, parenting education, family community (ibid.). planning, sexual and reproductive health training, time management, and budgeting (ibid.). Women’s advancement to high-ranking, decision-making positions in the public sector is at a slow pace (ECLAC Despite various environmental education campaigns, 2015). As of 2020, the ODPEM senior leadership team some evidence indicates gender disparities in of nine officers included five women: Senior Director knowledge, attitudes, and practices among men and of Projects Development Implementation, Monitoring women to climate change. A study by the University and Evaluation; Acting Senior Director of Preparedness; of the West Indies showed that a greater percentage Senior Director for Mitigation, Planning and Research of male respondents were more aware about climate Division; Director of Information and Training; and change compared to their female counterparts; 78.6 Director of Human Resources Management (ODPEM percent and 52 percent respectively (Constable 2016). 2020). At the ministerial level, three out of ten ministries This finding suggests a need for enhanced community are headed by women: the Ministry of Culture, Gender, climate change resilience through continuous gender- Entertainment and Sport; the Ministry of Science, Energy sensitive training programs. The 2016 Knowledge, and Technology; and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Attitudes and Practice Study on Climate Change showed Foreign Trade (Office of the Prime Minister 2020). that the majority of respondents (82.6%) consider that the GoJ must initiate leadership action in educating F.6. Gaps and recommendations citizens about climate change and the related responses The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps (J-CCCP 2016b). This result was similar for all age in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing groups, genders, participants in the parishes and coastal gender disparities (table F.3). areas (ibid.). F.5. Women’s participation and leadership Jamaica’s women’s organizations have developed ex- pertise on disaster-related and environmental issues necessary to partner with government agencies devel- oping gender-sensitive DRM and climate change adap- Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 75 | Table F.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Jamaica. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Legislation, • Lack of gender-based analysis in • Amend national disaster-related policies to include a gender policies, and many DRM and environment policies, perspective. plans planning and programs. • Develop the Public Financial Management Policy for Natural • Lack of legal provisions on unpaid Disaster Risk and establish a Policy Framework for Disaster Risk domestic work. Financing. • No connection to gender in existing • Include legal provisions on unpaid domestic work. DRM strategies. • Raise awareness among policy makers about the disproportionate vulnerability of women to disaster impacts. Sex- • Insufficient information about gender- • Continue to build capacity and train public sector officials on risk, disaggregated differentiated disaster impacts. vulnerability, capacity assessments, and adaptation assessments data and of vulnerable groups. gender- • Lack of information on the number of specific women in DRM and climate change • Strengthen collection of data on disaster impacts, disaggregated research decision-making processes. by sex and other key variables of vulnerable groups. • Lack of data on unpaid domestic work. • Enhance data collection on the number of women in DRM • Limited local research on the decision-making processes. connection between gender and the • Develop time-use surveys periodically to measure unpaid work environment and women and men’s performed by women and men. health in environment-based industries • Conduct gender-based research on the connection between and work environments (bauxite, gender and the environment and women and men’s health in construction, commercial farming). relation to environment-based industries and work environments. Gender-based • High rates of crime and violence, • Enhance anti-violence strategies and community safety programs. violence including youth and GBV. • Build the capacity of communities to mitigate institutionalized • Persistent and sub-culturally violence. institutionalized community, family, youth, and GBV and violence against children and other vulnerable groups. Institutional • Limited monitoring and evaluation • Strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support strengthening mechanisms to support gender- gender mainstreaming. mainstreaming initiatives. • Increase the resource base of the Bureau of Gender Affairs. • Insufficient resources provided for the • Ensure the effective implementation of the prohibition of Bureau of Gender Affairs. discrimination against women through appropriate enforcement • Insufficient women’s safety nets in mechanisms and sanctions. disaster settings. • Further strengthen the social protection system. Advocacy and • Lack of national public education • Develop and implement a national public education program to education program on the impact of poor increase community resilience to climate change. environmental practices on climate • Organize workshops on child and gender-responsive budgeting change. to increase the knowledge of relevant policy makers and social • Limited education programs on gender- development practitioners about financing child and gender sensitive budgeting. related policies and programs in DRM. Partnerships • Limited efforts to include civil society in • Promote partnerships that involve women’s organizations, in DRM DRM partnerships. other NGOs, and CSOs in the field of DRM and climate change adaptation. Social • Lack of evidence-based policies on • Increase participation of ethnic minorities, indigent people, inclusion inclusion of ethnic minorities, indigent people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and members of the LGBTI people, HIV/AIDS, and members of the community in DRM and climate change adaptation programs. LGBTI community in DRM programs and decision-making processes. Women’s • Insufficient women’s participation and • Target and remove gender-biased criteria or processes of decision- participation leadership in DRM and climate change making bodies, and strengthen mechanisms to increase women’s and leadership activities. participation and leadership in DRM and climate change activities. | 76 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility References GoJ. 2016a. Evidence (Special Provisions) (Amendment) Act. https://oig.cepal.org/sites/default/files/2012_jam_ Beazley, Rodolfo, and Francesca Ciardi. 2020. Shock-Responsive theevidencespecialmeasuresact.pdf. Social Protection in the Caribbean. Oxford Policy Management. https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000115072/download/. GoJ. 2016b. National Strategic Plan to End Gender Based Violence, 2016-2026 (Draft). http://americalatinagenera.org/newsite/includes/ BGA and Gender Advisory Committee. 2011. National Policy for fichas/politica/JAMAICA.pdf. Gender Equality (NPGE). Kingstown, Jamaica: The Government of Jamaica. FINALwCover21311.pdf. GoJ. 2018. Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Suppression and Punishment) Act. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_ Constable, Ayesha. 2016. A Gender Analysis of Climate Change lang=en&p_isn=108380&p_country=JAM&p_count=217&p_ Perceptions and Adaptation in Sherwood Content. Jamaica: classification=04 &p_classcount=11. University of the West Indies. https://pdfs.semanticscholar. org/947a/1982af806e687e40bc36790dcb8863316f25.pdf?_ga=2.53 GoJ. 2020. Nationally Determined Contribution of Jamaica to 499048.1091284108.1596044009 -2035551196.1596044009. UNFCCC. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/jam196282.pdf. ECLAC. 2015. Jamaica National Review Report: Implementation National Gender Task Force. 2010. National Development Plan of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995) - Gender Sectoral Plan (2009-2030). Kingstown, Jamaica: The and the Outcomes of the Twenty-Third Special Session of the Government of Jamaica. https://evaw-global-database.unwomen. General Assembly (2000). https://www.unwomen.org/- /media/ org/- /media/files/un%20women/vaw/full%20text/americas/ headquarters/attachments/sections/csw/64/national-reviews/jamaica. gender%20sector%20plan%20-%202010/gender%20sector%20 pdf?la=en&vs=1913. plan%20- %202010.pdf?vs=5816. Edwards, Michelle T., and Kerry-Ann N. Morris. 2007. “Disaster Office of the Prime Minister. 2020. “Members of the Cabinet.” Risk Reduction and Vulnerable Populations in Jamaica: Protecting Kingstown, Jamaica: Government of Jamaica. https://opm.gov.jm/ Children Within the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) your-government/members-of-the-cabinet/ Framework.” ODPEM. https://www.preventionweb.net/publications/ ODPEM. 2001. National Damage Assessment Plan. Kingstown, view/11440. Jamaica: The Government of Jamaica. https://unfccc.int/sites/default/ GoJ. 1958. Flood-Water Control Act. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/ files/20150416_jamaica_intervention.pdf. pdf/jam2451.pdf. ODPEM. 2010-2012. Community Disaster Risk Management Plans. GoJ. 1966. Land Development and Utilization Act. http://extwprlegs1. Kingstown, Jamaica: The Government of Jamaica. https://www. fao.org/docs/pdf/jam22487.pdf. odpem.org.jm/community-plans/. GoJ. 1997. National Policy for Senior Citizens. http://www. ODPEM. 2015. Negril Climate Risk Atlas. Kingstown, Jamaica: caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/strategy/jm_strategy/jm_National_ Government of Jamaica. https://www.odpem.org.jm/wp- content/ Policy_for_Senior_Citizens_1997.pdf. uploads/2019/09/Chpt-1-6_RISK_ATLAS_NOV4-1.pdf. GoJ. 2002. National Solid Waste Management Authority Act. http:// ODPEM. 2018. Annual Report 2017-2018. Kingstown, Jamaica: extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/jam71313.pdf. The Government of Jamaica. https://odpem.org.jm/wp- content/ uploads/2019/09/ODPEM-Annual-REPORT-2017-2018_compressed. GoJ. 2003. National Youth Policy. http://www.caribbeanelections. pdf. com/eDocs/strategy/jm_strategy/jm_Youth_Policy_2003.pdf. ODPEM. 2019. National Disaster Relief Policy. Kingstown, Jamaica: GoJ. 2004a. Child Care and Protection Act. https://moj.gov.jm/sites/ Government of Jamaica. https://www.odpem.org.jm/wp- content/ default/files/laws/Child%20Care%20and%20Protection%20Act_0. uploads/2019/09/National-Disaster-Relief-Policy.pdf. pdf. ODPEM. 2020. “Senior Management.” https://www.odpem.org.jm/ GoJ. 2004b. Domestic Violence Act. https://moj.gov.jm/laws/ senior-management/ domestic-violence-act. Planning Institute of Jamaica. 2009. National Development Plan: GoJ. 2009a. Information and Communications Technology Sector Vision 2030 Jamaica. Kingston, Jamaica: Government of Jamaica. Plan 2009-2030. http://www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/strategy/ jm_strategy/jm_Vision_2030_ICT_sector_plan_2009_2030.pdf. Planning Institute of Jamaica. 2018. Medium Term Socio-Economic Policy Framework, 2018-2021. Kingston, Jamaica: Government of GoJ. 2009b. Persons with Disabilities Sector Plan 2009-2030 (Draft). Jamaica. http://www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/strategy/jm_strategy/ jm_Persons_with_Disabilities_2009.pdf. Urban Planning and Regional Development Task Force. 2009. Urban Planning and Development: Sector Plan 2009-2030. Kingstown, GoJ. 2011. Sexual Offences Act. https://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/files/ Jamaica: Government of Jamaica. https://www.nepa.gov.jm/new/ laws/Sexual%20Offences%20Act.pdf. services_products/subsites/planning/docs/vision_2030.pdf. GoJ. 2015a. Climate Change Policy Framework for Jamaica. http:// Williams, A., F. Lamanna, and N. Jones. 2016. “Building Resilience extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/jam185317.pdf. through Social Protection - SISRI Knowledge Note 2.” Small Island GoJ. 2015b. Disaster and Preparedness and Emergency Management States Resilience Initiative. Washington, D.C.: World Bank and Act, No.1. https://japarliament.gov.jm/attachments/341_The%20 GFDRR. Disater%20and%20Preparedness%20and%20Emergency%20 Management %20Act,%202015%20No.1.pdf. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 77 | Appendix G. Country profile: Saint Lucia G.1. National policies on gender equality, women various policies addressing gender equality issues, women and girls’ empowerment, and GBV and girls’ empowerment, and GBV since 2000 (table G.1). The Government of Saint Lucas (GoSL) has adopted Table G.1. Saint Lucia’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES AND PLANS CONTENT Equality of Opportunity and It provides for protection against unlawful discrimination against women. Section 6 allows Treatment in Employment and for equal remuneration, and Section 12 for equal treatment in vocational training. Occupation Act (2000) Labour Act (2006) Section 270 ensures equal pay for equal work for men and women in both the public and private sectors. GENDER EQUALITY Social Protection Policy (2015) It calls for greater child and gender sensitivity of social protection interventions by considering the particular vulnerabilities that girls and boys, women and men face in their life cycles, and by ensuring that the design and implementation of interventions meet their needs. National Youth Policy (2003, It outlines six major areas of concern: youth participation, responsiveness, gender reviewed in 2015) sensitivity, policy benefits, access to services, and integrated development. National Insurance Corporation It is a compulsory, contributory scheme to which employees pay 5% of their monthly Act (2005 Revision) earnings and employers pay 5% of their monthly payroll. Domestic workers are ineligible to receive these benefits because of their inability to contribute to the scheme. Criminal Code Chapter 3.01 It contains provisions governing sexual offences, stalking, and sexual harassment. (2005 Revision) GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE Domestic Violence (Summary It creates a wide range of remedies aimed at reducing the number of DV incidents. Proceedings) Act (1995) Child (Care, Protection and It provides a comprehensive way to address neglect, abuse, exploitation, and violence Adoption) Act (2018, amended affecting children. in 2019) Counter–Trafficking Act (2010) It prescribes measures to prevent and combat human trafficking, particularly victims who are women and children by: protecting victims; facilitating the efficient investigation of cases; facilitating the just and effective punishment of traffickers; and promoting cooperation with other states. The Division of Gender Relations (DGR) within the In Saint Lucia, gender equality norms are included in Ministry of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations various acts. For example, the 2006 Labor Act (GoSL 2006c) and Sustainable Development is responsible for gender and the 2000 Equality of Opportunity and Treatment in mainstreaming in Saint Lucia. The DGR cooperates Employment and Occupation Act (GoSL 2000a) prohibit with other public agencies, NGOs, and CSOs. However, unlawful discrimination against women, and introduce neither gender focal points in ministries nor any special protection measures. The 2015 Social Protection formalized coordination among ministries on gender Policy (GoSL 2015b) introduces the principle of child and issues exists (CDB 2016b). In addition, Saint Lucia still gender sensitivity of social protection interventions. It also lacks a comprehensive gender policy and a national ensures that the household-based approach does not strategic action plan on GBV. Yet, in 2018, the Minister force vulnerable individuals (for example, violated women of Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and and children) to remain in households that are not safe Sustainable Development stated that a gender policy for their well-being. The Domestic Violence Act (GoSL would be developed in the near future (GoSL 2018). 1995a) provides protection for victims of domestic abuse. | 78 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility However, it contains no clear definition of violence against G.2. National and sector DRM and climate change women based on gender. Chapter 3.01 of the Criminal laws, policies, and plans and the status of their Code (GoSL 2005a) governs sexual offenses, yet, it does gender integration not adequately address the issues of sexual harassment. The GoSL has made various efforts to integrate a gender perspective into DRM policies (table G.2). Table G.2. Santa Lucia’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT Disaster Management Act It does not include gender-specific content. (2006) Emergency Powers (Disasters) It does not include gender-specific content. Act (1995) Comprehensive Disaster Section 5.4 states that the framework has the potential to engage citizens in poverty Management Strategy and reduction and incorporation of the needs of women. It also incorporates the Hyogo Programme Framework Framework for Action in community-based disaster planning through partnerships among (2009) public, private and civil sectors. Damage Assessment and The vulnerability assessment pays special attention to the needs of the following population Needs Analysis (DANA) Policy sectors: women, the elderly, youth, and persons with chronic ailments, physical, or mental (2007) challenges. GENERAL DRM National Emergency It states that the Emergency Response Plan for the homeless must meet the needs of Management System (2011) various homeless people (men, women, youth over age 18, seniors, and families). Climate Change Adaptation It recognizes that the policy’s success depends on the extent of Policy (2015) participation of women, youth, and other vulnerable groups in vulnerability assessments, implementation adaptation, and facilitation adaptation interventions, monitoring and evaluation activities. National Adaptation Plan It calls for gender mainstreaming in the NAP process, with the aim of decreasing gender- (2018–2028) based vulnerabilities, promoting gender equality in decision making, and ensuring that the implementation of adaptation measures does not impose additional burdens on women. Monitoring and Evaluation It is aimed at tracking the progress and steering the implementation of the NAP process, Plan of Saint Lucia’s National identifying gaps and solutions to address the needs of vulnerable groups, including Adaptation Planning Process collection of sex-disaggregated data. (2018) Hazard Mitigation Policy It does not include gender-specific content. (2006) Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 79 | LAWS, POLICIES AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT Hospitality Industry Crisis It adheres to the principle of protecting the vulnerable to ensure that children and all civilian Management Plan (2007) populations that disproportionately suffer the consequences of natural disasters are given every assistance and protection. Physical Planning and It does not include gender-specific content. Development Act (2005) Land Conservation and It does not include gender-specific content. Improvement Act (1992) Forest, Soils and Water It does not include gender-specific content. Conservation Act (1946) SECTOR / AGENCY DRM Information Management in The dissemination of information from the National Media Centre and the district Emergencies and Disasters emergency operations centers includes organizing town criers to vulnerable communities. (2009) Post Disaster Food Protection It pays special attention to the most vulnerable groups in disaster settings. It also points Guidelines (2009) to information gaps, including obstacles to access to food, among rural and poor urban households, particularly those headed by women. Emergency Shelter Policy It states that persons rendered homeless by natural or other disasters will be provided with (2001) temporary shelter, giving priority attention to vulnerable groups, particularly the physically and mentally challenged, the elderly, and the poor. Emergency Housing It states that the assistance to restore or replace homes or property damaged during Management Policies and the disaster should provide considerations for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the Guidelines (2002) indigent, and single parents. Saint Lucia’s Sectoral It calls for gender mainstreaming all activities involved in the NAP process in the water Adaptation Strategy and sector. Action Plan for the Water Sector (2018-2028) The responsibility for DRM lies with the Office of the The NAP calls for gender mainstreaming in its process National Disaster Management Organisation (NDMO), to decrease gender-based vulnerabilities, promote located within the Office of the Prime Minister, called the gender equality in decision making, and ensure that the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO). implementation of adaptation measures does not impose The NEMO partners with NGOs and CSOs, the National additional burdens on women. Saint Lucia’s sector and Council of Persons with Disabilities and the National agency policies also pay attention to the most vulnerable Council of Older Persons to integrate women and other population groups in the event of natural disasters. They vulnerable groups into DRM. The NEMO provides support include the 2018 Sectoral Adaptation Strategy and Action for halfway houses, homes for the elderly, the disabled, Plan for the Water Sector (Department of Sustainable and orphanages in disaster settings (CDB 2016b). The Development 2018c), the 2007 Hospitality Industry Crisis NEMO works on gender issues in close cooperation with Management Plan (GoSL 2007a), the 2009 Information the Research Officer at the Division of Gender Relations Management in Emergencies and Disasters (GoSL 2009b), to integrate a gender perspective into disaster-related the 2009 Post Disaster Food Protection Guidelines (GoSL policies such as the shelter policy and post-disaster needs 2007a), the 2001 Emergency Shelter Policy (GoSL 2001), assessments (ibid.). and the 2002 Emergency Housing Management Policies and Guidelines (GoSL 2002) among others. The Sustainable Development and Environment Division of the Department of Sustainable Development directs G.3. Implementation and practice Saint Lucia’s National Adaptation Policy (NAP) process. This department is housed within the Ministry of The Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Empowerment, Youth Education, Innovation, Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, Sports, Culture and Local Government Development. conducted the Survey of Living Conditions in 2005–06 | 80 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility to identify locations of various vulnerable groups such The 2011 survey, conducted under the Pilot Programme as female headed households, children under the age for Climate Resilience, revealed the existence of of 14, and the elderly (Central Statistical Office for significant gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and Saint Lucia 2006). However, this survey focused on behavioral practices of Saint Lucians toward climate- poverty reduction and did not adequately consider related hazards (Severin and Jacobs Small 2016). The the links between existing vulnerable populations and follow-up survey of Saint Lucia’s residents, conducted in how disaster impacts on them (NEMO 2018)., The 2016, showed that these gaps were persistent despite Saint Lucia Red Cross produced community hazard the implementation of a number of climate change maps in 2010 based on the Vulnerability and Capacity awareness initiatives at the national, district, and Assessment (VCA) methodology for the Second National community levels (ibid.). The survey also revealed some Communication on Climate Change. Yet, they did not gender disparities in the knowledge, attitudes, and include either quantifications of exposed persons or practices about climate change. Specifically, 40 percent gender-differentiated vulnerability data (NEMO 2014). of the surveyed women indicated that they were not In addition, the digitization of these maps was not prepared for climate-related hazards compared to 30 implemented (NEMO 2018). As a result, it is imperative percent of men (ibid.). to map the links between Saint Lucia’s vulnerable populations and differentiated disaster impacts to G.5. Women’s participation and leadership improve decision making and develop more targeted Saint Lucia’s women play different roles in DRM. national DRM, relief, and recovery strategies. The NEMO partners with women’s organizations to integrate a gender perspective into DRM. For example, The 2018 evaluation of the EWS of Saint Lucia identified the National Women’s Organization and the National multiple gaps and inefficiencies. Specifically, gender issues Council of Women’s Voluntary Organizations are were not fully integrated in the installation of Saint Lucia’s members of the Welfare Committee, one of the 13 EWS (NEMO 2018). For example, within the flood EWS, committees within the NEMO (NEMO 2014). In addition, local area mapping included some assessments of the women contributed to the NAP process. Thus, the 2011 risks associated with the impact of general community Pilot Programme for Climate Resilience benefited from activities on other areas, but considerations of gender- consultations with women. Specifically, they were specific issues were absent (ibid.). Also, the evaluation involved in the vulnerability and adaptation assessments pointed to the lack of formal processes to verify that for the tourism and agricultural sectors, both of which warnings reach all key stakeholders, including women, suffered the effects of the 2009–2010 drought and youth, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups (ibid.). Hurricane Tomas in October 2010 (NEMO 2014). Their participation allowed for the identification of measures G.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation important for the quality of life of different vulnerability The DGR provides seminars on women and girls’ groups. empowerment, disseminates the related information through the media, and organizes events to raise public The number of women in leadership roles has increased awareness about gender issues in their gender equality in Saint Lucia. Two ministries were headed by women and anti-GBV advocacy campaigns. The DGR also as of 2020: the Ministry of Education, Innovation, provides special training programs for the personnel Gender Relations and Sustainable Development and the who manage the Women’s Support Center that houses Ministry for Health and Wellness (GoSL 2020). Further, DV victims and their dependent children (DGR 2010). women play their leading roles in Saint Lucia’s climate At the same time, Saint Lucia’s policies do not include change policy. The NAP process was initiated under any formal requirement for personnel of various the leadership of the Ministry of Education, Innovation, governmental agencies to consult with the DGR on Gender Relations and Sustainable Development, where the development of gender-responsive programs (CDB apart from the Minister, “the Permanent and Deputy 2016b). Permanent Secretary, the Chief of Department, the Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 81 | Deputy Chief of Department, the Chief Technical Officer, G.6. Gaps and recommendations and nine out of ten of the technical officers are female” The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps (Department of Sustainable Development 2018). In in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing addition, the Department’s Deputy Chief Officer is the gender disparities (table G.3). Lead Climate Change Negotiator for Saint Lucia. Table G.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Saint Lucia. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Lack of a comprehensive gender • Develop Saint Lucia’s gender policy. Legislation, policy. • Amend national disaster-related policies to include a gender policies, and • Lack of a gender perspective in perspective. plans many DRM national policies and • Raise awareness among policy makers about the disproportionate programmatic plans. vulnerability of women to disaster impacts. • Information gaps in post-disaster • Organize data collection on the availability and access to food, settings of obstacles to access to among rural and poor urban households, particularly those headed food, among rural and poor urban by women. households headed by women. • Conduct research and data collection to understand the scope and • Lack of differentiated data and breadth of vulnerabilities of women, children, the elderly, and the research about the number of poor for the development of a gender-sensitive shelter management women and children living in policy. shelters, leading to insufficient • Generate disaster impact data disaggregated by sex and other Sex- catering for their specific needs. important variables related to vulnerable groups at the community disaggregated • Insufficient sex-disaggregated level to meet the needs of various groups in disaster events. data and gender-specific data on disaster impacts at the • Provide risk mapping of vulnerable groups to profile each of these research community level and on high groups within the context of their living situations to identify their vulnerability hotspots. coping and adaptive capacities. • Lack of systems to monitor, archive, • Conduct systematic research and analysis of the hazards which and disseminate data on key impacted Saint Lucia. hazards and vulnerabilities. • Record their impacts on vulnerable populations and groups. • Lack of a comprehensive national • Create a comprehensive national multihazard database or an archive multihazard database or an archive with protocols for information sharing. with protocols for information sharing. • Lack of a national strategic action • Adopt Saint Lucia’s national strategic action plan on GBV. plan on GBV. • Develop appropriate protection measures for women and children Gender-based • Insufficient provision of a safe living in shelters. violence environment for women and • Organize special training programs on GBV, particularly in disaster children living in shelters. settings for shelter managers. • Gender disparities in access • Ensure the effective implementation of the prohibition of to disaster safety nets due to discrimination against women through appropriate enforcement unequal economic opportunities mechanisms and sanctions. and women’s lower control over • Strengthen the existing mechanisms and programs to improve access Institutional productive resources. to affordable health care, including sexual and reproductive health, strengthening • Significant gaps in Saint Lucia’s for women, particularly in disaster settings. EWS, including lack of gender- • Promote access of all women in disaster situations to critical services specific measures. such as relief payments, disaster insurance, and compensation. • Increase gender sensitivity of Saint Lucia’s EWS and integrate other vulnerable groups into their development. | 82 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS Advocacy and Gender disparities in knowledge, Provide specialized training for women and other vulnerable groups to education attitudes, and behavioral practices of increase their resilience to climate change and their preparedness for Saint Lucians toward climate change. climate-related hazards. Lack of gender considerations in Provide training to government officials, with a focus on assessing hazard analysis and risk assessments differentiated vulnerability data and risks. conducted by governmental agencies. Organize workshops on child and gender-responsive budgeting Lack of awareness raising campaigns to increase the knowledge of relevant policy makers and social about the importance of gender- development practitioners about financing child and gender policies sensitive budgeting. and programs in DRM. Partnerships in Limited efforts to include women’s Promote partnerships that involve women’s organizations, and other DRM organizations in DRM partnerships. NGOs and CSOs in DRM and climate change adaptation. Social Lack of evidence-based policies on Increase participation of ethnic minorities, indigent people, people with inclusion inclusion of ethnic minorities, indigent disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and members of the LGBTI community in DRM people, people with disabilities, HIV/ and climate change adaptation programs. AIDS, and members of the LGBTI community in DRM and climate change adaptation programs. Women’s Insufficient women’s participation and Target and remove gender-biased criteria or processes of decision- participation leadership in DRM and climate change making bodies and strengthen mechanisms to increase women’s and leadership activities. participation and leadership in DRM and climate change activities. References GoSL. 1995b. Emergency Powers (Disasters) Act No. 5 of 1995. http://nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/CDMStrategy. Antoine, Anicia. 2018. NEMO Assesses Disaster Reduction Processes. pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161120-000. Castries, St. Lucia: Government of Saint Lucia. http://www.govt.lc/ news/nemo-assesses-disaster-reduction-processes. GoSL. 2000a. Equality of Opportunity and Treatment in Employment and Occupation Act. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4. Central Statistical Office for Saint Lucia. 2006. “Survey of Living detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=57932. Conditions and Household Budgets 2005-2006.” Castries, St. Lucia: Government of Saint Lucia. https://catalog.ihsn.org/index.php/ GoSL. 2000b. National Insurance Corporation Act. https://www. catalog/2132. ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=60635&p_ classification=15.06. Department of Sustainable Development. 2018a. Monitoring and Evaluation Plan of Saint Lucia’s National Adaptation Planning GoSL. 2001. Emergency Shelter Policy. http://nemo.gov.lc/ Process. Government of Saint Lucia. https://www4.unfccc.int/ Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/EmergencyShelterPolicy. sites/NAPC/Documents/Parties/Saint%20Lucia%20Monitoring%20 pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161120-000. and%20Evaluation%20for%20NAP. pdf. GoSL. 2002. Emergency Housing Management Policies and Department of Sustainable Development. 2018b. Saint Lucia’s Guidelines. http://nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/ National Adaptation Plan (NAP): 2018–2028. Government of Saint EmergencyHousingPolicy.pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161120-000. Lucia. https://climatechange.govt.lc/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ GoSL. 2005a. Criminal Code Chapter 3.01 (2005 Revision). https:// SLU-NAP-May-2018.pdf. sherloc.unodc.org/res/cld/document/lca/2005/criminal- code_html/ Department of Sustainable Development. 2018c. Saint Lucia’s Criminal_Code.pdf. Sectoral Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan for the Water Sector GoSL. 2005b. Physical Planning and Development Act. https:// (Water SASAP) 2018-2028. Government of Saint Lucia. https:// observatoriop10.cepal.org/sites/default/files/documents/physical- www4.unfccc.int/sites/NAPC/Documents/Parties/Saint%20Lucia%20 planning-and-development-act-cap-5.12.pdf. Sectoral%20Adaptation%20Plan%20for%20Water.pdf. GoSL. 2006a. Disaster Management Act No. 30 of 2006. http:// DGR. 2010. Report to the 11th Session of the Regional Conference nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/CDMStrategy. on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean. Saint Lucia: Ministry pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161120-000. of Health, Wellness, Human Services, National Mobilization, Family Affairs and Gender Relations. https://www.cepal.org/sites/default/ GoSL. 2006b. Hazard Mitigation Policy. http://nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/ files/events/files/saintlucia.pdf. Documents/HazardMitigationPolicy.pdf?ver=2017-09-15- 161112- 000. GoSL. 1992. Land Conservation and Improvement Act. http:// extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/stl12897.pdf. GoSL. 2006c. Labour Act. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/natlex4. detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=90251. GoSL. 1995a. Domestic Violence (Summary Proceedings) Act. https:// oig.cepal.org/sites/default/files/1995_lca_act7.pdf. GoSL. 2007a. Hospitality Industry Crisis Management Plan. http:// nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/TourismVol0Ops. pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161126-000. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 83 | Government of Saint Lucia. 2007b. Post Disaster Food Protection GoSL. 2015b. Saint Lucia Social Protection Policy. http:// Guidelines. Government of Saint Lucia. http://nemo.gov.lc/ caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/strategy/lc_strategy/lc_Social_ Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/FoodSafetyGuidelines2011. Protection_Policy_2015.pdf. pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161122-000. GoSL. 2018. Child (Care, Protection and Adoption) Act. http://www. GoSL. 2008. Forest, Soil and Water Conservation Act. http:// govt.lc/media.govt.lc/www/resources/publications/child-- care-- extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/stl10066.pdf. protection-and-adoption--bill-2018.pdf. GoSL. 2009a. Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and GoSL. 2020. Cabinet of Ministers. http://www.govt.lc/cabinet. Programme Framework. http://nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/ NEMO. 2014. Saint Lucia: Country Document for Disaster Risk National_Plan/CDMStrategy.pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161120-000. Reduction, 2014. Castries, Saint Lucia: NEMO. http://nemo.gov. GoSL. 2009b. Information Management in Emergencies and lc/Portals/0/Documents/Final%20Saint%20Lucia%20Country%20 Disasters. http://nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/ Document%20for%20web.pdf?ver=2017-09- 15-161110-000. InfoMgntPlan.pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161122-000. NEMO. 2018. Multi- Hazard Early Warning Systems Gaps Report: GoSL. 2009c. Post Disaster Food Protection Guidelines. http://nemo. Dominica. Prepared by Gelina Fontaine. Roseau, Dominica: gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/FoodSafetyGuidelines2011. NEMO. https://www.cdema.org/component/jdownloads/send/29- pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161122-000. dominica/159-multi-hazard-early-warning-systems-gaps- assessment- report-for-the-commonwealth-of-dominica-2018?option=com_ GoSL. 2010. Counter–Trafficking Act. Government jdownloads. of Saint Lucia. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/ ELECTRONIC/107614/132551/F-1666838312/LCA107614.pdf. Severin, Petya, and Barbara Jacobs Small. 2016. Knowledge Attitude, Practices/Behaviour (KAP/B) Study on Climate Change: Saint Lucia GoSL. 2011. National Emergency Management System. http:// Baseline Study 2016. UNDP J-CCCP. https://www.adaptation-undp. nemo.gov.lc/Portals/0/Documents/National_Plan/CDMStrategy. org/sites/default/files/resources /knowledge_attitude_practices_ pdf?ver=2017-09-15-161120-000. behaviour_kapb_study_. GoSL. 2015a. Saint Lucia Climate Change Adaptation Policy. https:// www.climatechange.govt.lc/wp- content/uploads/2017/10/Climate- Change-Adaptation-Policy-2015.pdf. | 84 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix H. Country profile: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines H.1. National policies on gender equality, women (GoSVG) has adopted various policies addressing gender and girls’ empowerment, and GBV equality issues, women and girls’ empowerment, and The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines GBV since 2000 (table H.1). Table H.1. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS CONTENT Equal Pay Act (1994) It sets out equal remuneration for all workers and allows for maternity leave to be granted to women. Employment of Women, Young It addresses the employment of women, young persons, and children in industrial work GENDER EQUALITY Persons and Children Act (1992) and on ships. National Insurance Act (1986, It is a compulsory, contributory scheme to which employees pay 3.5% of their monthly amended in 2007) earnings and employers pay 4.5% of their monthly payroll. Domestic workers are ineligible to receive these benefits because of their inability to contribute to the scheme. National Economic and Social It affirms that women remain “amongst the most vulnerable and economically Development Plan (2013–2025) powerless” and calls for inclusion and protection of the vulnerable groups in society such as women, the differently abled, mentally ill, the elderly and other high-risk groups. Criminal Code, Cap. 124 (1990 It contains provisions addressing sexual offenses, abduction, and kidnapping. Revision) Domestic Violence (Summaries) It creates a wide range of remedies aimed at reducing the number of DV incidents. GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE Act (2015) However, DV is not criminalized, and no comprehensive definition of DV exists. Children (Care and Adoption) Act It addresses neglect, abuse, exploitation, and violence affecting children. It includes (2011) mandatory reporting of abuse cases, with penalties for failure to comply. National Action Plan to End GBV It outlines mechanisms for policy, legislation, multi-sectoral collaboration, (2013–2017) implementation, prevention, data collection, and tracking the progress on GBV. Prevention of Trafficking in Persons It prescribes measures to prevent and combat human trafficking, particularly Act (2011) victims who are women and children by: protecting victims; facilitating the efficient investigation of cases; facilitating the just and effective punishment of traffickers; and promoting cooperation with other states. The Gender Affairs Division (GAD) within the Ministry in the country remain “amongst the most vulnerable and of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, economically powerless” (GoSVG 2013). Yet, it does not Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth is identify concrete gender equality objectives, indicators, or responsible for gender mainstreaming in Saint Vincent outcomes. and the Grenadines. GAD coordinates the Inter-Ministerial Committee composed of gender focal points responsible At the same time, the GAD undertook several important for developing and implementing a coordinated gender reforms, including the establishment of a family court, equality agenda across all governmental agencies. a domestic violence crisis center, and a program to However, on account of the GAD’s insufficient resources, enable teen mothers to continue their education (ibid.). its activities are mainly concentrated in the project In addition, it contributed to the development of the implementation area (CDB 2015a). As a result, the National Action Plan to End GBV 2013–2017 (GoSVG country still lacks a comprehensive gender policy. Gender 2014b). The latter represents a multi-sectorial plan equality priorities are also not included in many national that establishes a collaborative framework for various strategic plans. For example, the National Economic and governmental agencies and CSOs to prevent, eliminate, Social Development Plan 2013–2025 affirms that women and monitor GBV in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 85 | H.2. National and sector DRM and climate change The GoSVG has made its initial steps to integrate a gender laws, policies, and plans and the status of their perspective into DRM related policies (table H.2). gender integration Table H.2. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT National Disaster Plan (2005) It points to the importance of conducting vulnerability assessments to identify vulnerable communities, extent of their vulnerability, and measures for vulnerability reduction. It also mandates shelter management to focus on vulnerable groups—the physically and mentally challenged, the elderly and low-income groups, particularly female-headed households. National Emergency and Disaster It does not include gender-specific content. GENERAL DRM Management Act (2006) National Comprehensive Disaster It aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities to cope with the Management (CDM) Policy (2014) impact of hazards, and recognizes the role of women and children in resilience building. It also mandates to include cultural and indigenous communities to implement CDM processes. National Adaptation Plan (2019) It calls for gender mainstreaming in the NAP process to decrease gender- based vulnerabilities, promote gender equality in decision making, and ensure that the implementation of adaptation measures does not impose additional burdens on women. Environmental Health Services Act (1991) It does not include gender-specific content. Town and Country Planning Act (1992) It does not include gender-specific content. Waste Management Act (2000) It does not include gender-specific content. National Information and Communication It aims to improve disaster preparedness, promote affordable and universal Technology Strategy and Action Plan access to ICT services and resources in rural and underserved communities as SECTOR / AGENCY DRM (2010–2015) well as to decrease poverty and gender inequalities. It also aims to foster the use of ICT for formal and non-formal education, skills development, and adult learning regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, or location. Revised National Biodiversity Strategy and It recognizes the need to enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and Action Plan (2015–2020) ecosystem services, provide essential services such as services related to water, and contribute to the health, livelihoods and well-being, and consider the needs of women, indigenous and local communities, the poor, and the vulnerable. Environmental Management Act (Draft, It does not include gender-specific content. 2009) Environmental Impact Assessment It does not include gender-specific content. Regulations (Draft, 2009) The responsibility for DRM lies with the National Emergen- tion technologies themes in strategic planning” (ibid.). Its cy Management Office. The National Emergency Coun- key objectives are: (i) to increase community resilience for cil (NEC), chaired by the Prime Minister, functions as a the most vulnerable, with gender concerns addressed at high-level, multisectoral oversight body that guides policy all stages and levels; (ii) to promote safety, environmen- and planning for DRM. It includes various representatives tal and economic sustainability through a comprehensive from the public and private sectors. Under its guidance, and gender-based approach to DRM; and (iii) to enhance the country adopted the 2014 National Comprehensive capacity building and knowledge management with Disaster Management Policy (GoSVG 2014a). This pol- guidelines addressing gender issues. Finally, it requires all icy establishes “a multi-sectoral approach to DRM that stakeholders to recognize the importance of gender equal- allows for the integration of DRR, gender equity, climate ity and equity in participation and in sharing benefits. change adaptation, energy and information communica- | 86 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility The 2019 National Adaptation Plan (NAP) states that all gender-specific warnings and alerts for the visually and adaptation options will go through a gender analysis hearing impaired (ibid.). and include agreed-upon social and environmental safeguards (GoSVG 2019). The NAP framework builds Finally, the GoSVG needs to update its disaster and climate on the principle of gender sensitivity. Specifically, climate change programs to reflect the CDM legislation in gender change adaptation actions integrate gender concerns and sensitivity and partnerships with women’s organizations. needs into programming, while simultaneously ensuring For example, the NAP indicates that stakeholder the contributions and leadership of both men and participation was not significant in adaptation activities women at the planning, budgeting, and implementation because processes to include key counterparts were not stages (ibid.). The NAP states that gender analysis with institutionalized or formalized (GoSVG 2019). Overall, considerations of other factors (e.g., class, ethnicity, age, although women’s participation is sometimes promoted, caste, disability, and sexuality) will be used as a useful “gender issues are not acknowledged as a significant tool to prevent and reduce vulnerability (ibid.). Key challenge” in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (ibid.). stakeholders in building gender-responsive approaches to adaptation include policy makers, government planners H.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation at the central, sub-national and district levels, the private The GAD assumes leadership in conducting public sector, NGOs, and researchers. education programs on gender equality, HIV or AIDS or both, DV, and other gender-related issues. Some gaps H.3. Implementation and practice are evident in knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the The GAD is not equipped to lead the gender mainstreaming climate change agenda among both men and women. The agenda (CDB 2016b). Insufficient human resources, a 2017 Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Study on Climate high staff turnover, and insufficient material resources Change comprised an almost equal distribution of male prevent the implementation of gender mainstreaming and female respondents, 48.5 percent and 51.5 percent in governmental programs, including socioeconomic respectively (J-CCCP 2017). In general, despite some development, GBV, and DMR (ibid.). Despite a number actions taken by individuals and communities to prevent of socioeconomic programs implemented by the Ministry or lessen the impact of climate change, most respondents of National Mobilization, Social Development, the Family, reported that they did not have enough information about Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth, climate change and the related hazards (ibid.). Similarly, poverty remains feminized in Saint Vincent and the the 2018 EWS evaluation found that many stakeholders Grenadines (ibid.). In addition, despite the adoption of did not understand their role in the DRM process, and did the 1995 Domestic Violence (Summary Proceedings) Act, not know the agency leading a particular DRM function many DV incidents remain unreported, and the police (National Emergency Management Office 2018). These often do not take them seriously (Ministry of National findings point to the need for more targeted training Mobilization, Social Development, Family, Gender Affairs, programs and education campaigns on these topics for Persons with Disabilities and Youth 2014). various groups such as women, men, youth, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. Women in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are most vulnerable in situations of natural hazards and disasters H.5. Women’s participation and leadership because of systematic inequalities (CDB 2015a). However, The National Council of Women (NCW) partners with the the 2018 evaluation of the country’s EWS identified their GAD to represent women’s interests in the public policy multiple gender gaps and other inefficiencies. Specifically, area. Through the NCW, women’s organizations and the evaluation pointed to the lack of gender considerations CSOs are involved in various programs, not limited to in vulnerability and capacity assessments at the national rural development, childcare, counseling, training, youth and sector levels (National Emergency Management mobilization, and disaster support to vulnerable persons. Office 2018). In addition, warning messages were not A study conducted by the Caribbean Development targeted to vulnerable groups, including the issuance of Bank found that after the 2013 floods, women were at Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 87 | the forefront of community organization (CDB 2015a). The National Emergency Management Organization is Specifically, their work involved undertaking and headed by a female director. At a higher level, however, coordinating training in disaster preparedness activities, the participation of women in leadership and decision inclusive of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid, making is limited due to low advocacy by women’s collecting data, and coordinating the relief response organizations and CSOs, among other factors. As for together with the public agencies, CSOs, and the Red Cross elected positions held by women, the country’s situation (ibid.). Furthermore, women represented approximately 70 has deteriorated (CDB 2016b). For example, as of 2020, percent of the temporary laborers in post-disaster road all ministries were headed by men (GoSVG 2020). cleaning managed by the Roads, Buildings and General Services Authority (ibid.). Specifically, about 90–95 percent H.6. Gaps and recommendations of the team leaders and 75 percent of the timekeepers The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps were women who were paid a wage in the range of in DRM, and recommends measures to mitigate existing 35–40 Eastern Caribbean dollars per day, a rate for which gender disparities (table H.3). many men refused to work (ibid.). At the same time, no evidence presented of any measures to increase women’s involvement in infrastructure development programs (ibid.). Table H.3. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Lack of a comprehensive gender policy and action • Develop a national gender policy and action plan. plan. • Integrate gender equality objectives and anticipated Legislation, policies, and • Lack of a gender perspective in many DRM national outcomes into the National Economic and Social plans policies and programmatic plans. Development Plan and the related policies, and update the Emergency Act to reflect the CDM legislation. • Insufficient sex-disaggregated data on disaster • Enhance collection of disaster impact data impacts. disaggregated by sex and other important variables. Sex- • Lack of a comprehensive national multihazard • Conduct systematic research and analysis of the disaggregated database or an archive with protocols for hazards which impacted Saint Vincent and the data and information sharing. Grenadines, and record their impacts on vulnerable gender-specific populations and groups. research • Create a comprehensive national multihazard database or an archive with protocols for information sharing. • Existing data practices on GBV are inconsistent, • Enhance the systematization of GBV data taken by which presents particular difficulties for making the GAD, the police, and the Statistics Department. claims about GBV trends and the corresponding • Enhance the resource base of the crisis center and responses. strengthen systems of support for victims and Gender-based • Incidents of domestic abuse are underreported, and survivors, including medical care, psychological violence the police often do not take them seriously. counseling, and legal aid support. • Strengthen collaboration with NGOs providing legal and other forms of assistance to survivors and victims. | 88 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Insufficient human and financial resources provided • Support the GAD and its activities with resources, to the GAD to support gender mainstreaming. particularly its community capacity building • Absence of DRM plans at the community level. interventions. • Lack of the gender dimension inclusion in • Develop DRM plans at the community level, with monitoring and evaluation activities in DRM and gender considerations. climate change adaptation programs. • Integrate budget formulation guidelines and • Gender disparities in access to disaster safety monitoring mechanisms that reflect synergies nets due to unequal economic opportunities and between DRM, climate change adaptation, and women’s lower control over productive resources. gender-sensitive budgeting. • Gender gaps and other inefficiencies in EWS. • Ensure the effective implementation of the prohibition of discrimination against women through appropriate enforcement mechanisms and Institutional sanctions. strengthening • Strengthen the existing mechanisms and programs to improve access to affordable health care, including sexual and reproductive health, for women, particularly in disaster settings. • Promote access of all women in disaster situations to critical services such as relief payments, disaster insurance, and compensation. • Strengthen women’s roles in community service delivery in immediate disaster response and rehabilitation. • Increase gender sensitivity of EWS and integrate other vulnerable groups into their development. • Insufficient understanding reported by both men • Provide specialized training programs for local and women of their role in the DRM process, and communities to increase their resilience to climate about agencies that lead particular DRM functions. change and their preparedness for climate-related • Insufficient gender considerations in hazard analysis hazards. and risk assessments conducted by governmental • Provide gender-sensitive leadership training agencies. programs for women and young people preparing • Lack of awareness raising campaigns about the them for decision-making positions. importance of gender-sensitive budgeting. • Provide training programs to government officials, with a focus on assessing differentiated vulnerability Advocacy and data and risks. education • Organize workshops on child and gender-responsive budgeting to increase the knowledge of relevant policy makers and social development practitioners about financing child and gender related policies and programs in DRM. • Strengthen existing anti-violence advocacy campaigns in disaster settings. • Engage media entities in education campaigns focused on critical terms in DRM. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 89 | GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Low organizational capacity and ineffective • Integrate the women and girls’ empowerment advocacy by the National Council of Women. agenda into a broader civil society engagement • Lack of support for gender mainstreaming from agenda through renewed energy by the National NGOs and CSOs. Council of Women and other CSOs. • Limited efforts to create partnerships with women’s • Build multi-stakeholder partnerships to drive organizations in DRM areas. and monitor implementation of DRM policies Partnerships and programs, with clear delineated roles and in DRM responsibilities of public agencies, private entities, NGOs, and CSOs. • Enhance collaboration of the National Council of Women with the public and private entities engaged in DRM activities. • Sustain community mobilization through reporting and informal opinion surveys around key challenges. • Lack of evidence-based policies on inclusion of • Increase participation of ethnic minorities, indigent ethnic minorities, indigent people, people with people, people with disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and Social disabilities, HIV/AIDS, and members of the LGBTI members of the LGBTI community in DRM and inclusion community in DRM and climate change adaptation climate change adaptation programs. programs. • Insufficient women’s participation in DRM and • Target and remove gender-biased criteria or Women’s climate change activities. processes of decision-making bodies, and participation • Under-utilization of women’s human resources in strengthen mechanisms to increase women’s and leadership participation and leadership in DRM and climate leadership and decision-making positions. change activities. References GoSVG. 2006. National Emergency and Disaster Management Act. http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/index.php/plans-policies/17-bills- and- CDB. 2015a. Country Gender Assessment: Saint Vincent and the acts/254-national-emergency-and-disaster-management. Grenadines. Caribbean Development Bank. https://www.caribank. org/publication_types/corporate-evaluations/disaster-management- GoSVG. 2007. National Insurance Act No. 33. https://www.ilo. strategy-and-operational-guidelines- 2009-2018. org/dyn/natlex/docs/ELECTRONIC/54275/88412/F1313009582/ VCT54275%202007.pdf. CDB. 2016b. Country Gender Assessments (CGAs): Synthesis Report. Caribbean Development Bank. https://www.caribank. GoSVG. 2009a. Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations org/sites/default/files/publication-resources/SynthesisReport_ (Draft). http://energyunit.gov.vc/energyunit/images/pdf_documents/ CountryGenderAssessment.pdf. Environmental-Impact-Assessment-Regulations-DRAFT.pdf. GoSVG. 1990. Criminal Code Cap. 124, 1990 Rev. https://caribbean. GoSVG. 2009. Environmental Management Act (Draft). http:// unwomen.org/en/caribbean-gender-portal/caribbean-gbv- law-portal/ energyunit.gov.vc/energyunit/images/pdf_documents/Environmental- gbv-country-resources/saint-vincent. Management-Act-2009.pdf. GoSVG. 1991. Environmental Health Services Act. https://www.ilo. GoSVG. 2010. National Information and Communication Technology org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=87936. Strategy and Action Plan 2010-2015. http://www.caribbeanelections. com/eDocs/strategy/vc_strategy/vc_ICT_Strategy_2010.pdf. GoSVG. 1992. Employment of Women, Young Persons and Children Act No.53. https://www.cavehill.uwi.edu//LAWLIBRARY/ GoSVG. 2011a. Children (Care and Adoption) Act. https://archive. getattachment/e03f48bf-3a28-4f83-bcee-251800a61eb3/ crin.org/en/library/publications/st-vincent-and-grenadines- childrens- EMPLOYMENT-OF- WOMEN,-YOUNG-PERSONS-AND-CHILDREN-AC. rights-references-universal-periodic-review.html. aspx. GoSVG. 2011b. Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act. https:// GoSVG. 1994. Equal Pay Act No. 3. https://www.ilo.org/dyn/ caribbeanmigration.org/sites/default/files/repository/prevention_of_ natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=43190&p_country=VCT&p_ trafficking_in_persons_act_2011_-_svg.pdf. count=83&p_classification=05&p _classcount=1. GoSVG. 2013. National Economic and Social Development Plan GoSVG. 2015. Domestic Violence (Summaries) Act. https://www.ilo. 2013-2025. http://www.caribbeanelections.com/eDocs/strategy/ org/dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=108991. vc_strategy/vc_National_Economic_Scial_Develoment_Plan_2013.pdf. GoSVG. 2000. Waste Management Act No. 31. https://www.ilo.org/ GoSVG. 2014a. Comprehensive Disaster Management Policy. http:// dyn/natlex/natlex4.detail?p_lang=en&p_isn=87935. nemo.gov.vc/nemo/index.php/plans-policies/17-bills-and- acts/254- national-emergency-and-disaster-management. | 90 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility GoSVG. 2014b. National Action Plan to End GBV 2013-2017. http:// National Emergency Management Office. 2005. National Disaster americalatinagenera.org/newsite/includes/fichas/politica/ST_VINCENT. Plan. Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: The Government doc. of Vincent and the Grenadines. http://nemo.gov.vc/nemo/images/ PoliciesActsAndBills/NationalDisasterPlan.pdf. GoSVG. 2017. Revised National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2015 - 2020). https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/vc/vc- nbsap-v2-en.pdf. National Emergency Management Office. 2014. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ National Comprehensive Disaster Management GoSVG. 2019. National Adaptation Plan. https://www4.unfccc.int/ Policy. Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: The sites/NAPC/Documents/Parties/FINAL%20NAP_SVG_Approved.pdf. Government of Vincent and the Grenadines. http://nemo.gov.vc/ GoSVG. 2020. Ministries. http://www.gov.vc/index.php/ministries. nemo/images/PoliciesActsAndBills/FINAL-SVG-National-CDM-Policy- April-2014-MF-update-1.pdf. J-CCCP. 2017. Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice Study on Climate Change. Japan-Caribbean Climate Change Partnership. https:// National Emergency Management Office. 2018. Multi-Hazard Early www.caribank.org/publication_types/corporate-evaluations/disaster- Warning Systems Report for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, management-strategy-and-operational-guidelines- 2009-2018. 2018. Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: The Government of Vincent and the Grenadines. https://webcache. Ministry of National Mobilization, Social Development, Family, googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:9dXnOwzW3tQJ:https:// Gender Affairs, Persons with Disabilities and Youth. 2014. www.cdema.org/component/jdownloads/send/ 32-saint-vincent-the- National Review of the Beijing Platform for Action + 20. Kingstown, grenadines/163-multi-hazard-early-warning-systems-report-for-st- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: The Government of Vincent vincent-the-grenadines- 2018+&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us. and the Grenadines. https://www.cepal.org/mujer/noticias/ paginas/3/51823/St._Vincent_and_The_Grenadines_Review_ Beijing_20.pdf. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 91 | Appendix I. Country profile: Suriname I.1. National policies on gender equality, women of several important conventions in the area of women’s and girls’ empowerment, and GBV rights, legal modifications, and changes in domestic Suriname has progressed in various areas of gender policy, especially in the areas of domestic violence, human equality and the position of women since 2010. trafficking, and the participation of women in politics Contributing to these positive changes is the ratification (table I.1). Table I.1. Suriname’s key policy documents on gender equality and GBV. ACT CONTENT Integral Gender Action Plan (2000– The 2019–2020 plan focuses on labor, income, poverty reduction, education, health, 2005, 2006–2010, 2019–2020) power and decision making, GBV, legal and regulatory framework, environment and climate change. Policy Development Plan (2017– It guarantees gender equality in access to any profession and work, and ensures 2021) that laws and regulations and policy principles of private and public organizations guarantee the right to personal safety and freedom of men and women, and that the opportunities to realize their ideals and talents are not negatively affected by gender stereotypes. GENDER EQUALITY Gender Vision Policy Document It ensures that the legal and regulatory framework and policy principles of private and (2021–2035) public organizations guaranteeing the right to personal safety and freedom of men and women and the opportunities to realize their ideals and talents, are not negatively influenced by gender stereotypes. Minimum Hour Wage Act (2014), These social protection intervention’s target groups are mainly vulnerable groups or General Pension Benefits Act groups at risk such as the elderly or disabled people, children and women in poor (2014), National Basic Health households or households with a minimum monthly income. Insurance Act (2014) National Sexual and Reproductive It contains strategies and priorities aimed at further improving the maternal health Health and Rights Policy of services, working towards a decline of new HIV infections, and increasing awareness Suriname (2013–2017) and education for the prevention and reduction of teen pregnancies, sexual violence, cervical cancers, and other sexual related issues. Child Day Care Bill (under It would allow the care of small children to enable the mother to work by improving consideration) the quality of childcare facilities. Combating Domestic Violence Act It allows the protection of DV victims from an early stage on and through rapid (2009) procedures. GNDER-BASED VIOLENCE Criminal Code, Article 295 It focuses on sexual harassment, and sexual violence as a sex crime within the (amended in 2015) marriage and sexual exploitation of persons within the family. Trafficking in Persons: Criminal These laws and the articles focus on the criminalization of trafficking and smuggling of Code (1911, amended in 2004), women and minors, and define the sanctions that will be placed on persons guilty of Article 307 of the Criminal Code trafficking. (2006), Article 249a (2006 and 2015)  The Government of Suriname (GoS), through its National stereotyping (CEDAW 2016). On the institutional front, Development Plan 2017–2021, addresses gender as a the Bureau of Gender Affairs (BGA), a division of the multidisciplinary policy area, and aims to create laws Ministry of Home Affairs, is responsible for developing, and regulations for private and public organizations coordinating, and evaluating national gender policies. It that guarantee the right to personal security and presents the GoS national gender policy in the form of freedom of men and women, uninfluenced by gender integral gender action plans (IGAPs) on a regular basis: | 92 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility IGAP 2000–2005, IGAP 2006–2010, and IGAP 2019– the 2014 National Basic Health Insurance Act, and the 2020 (Heemskerk and Apapoe 2011). The Gender Vision 2011 Conditional Cash Transfer Program. The latter Policy Document (2021–2035) marks a change toward aims to reduce the social and economic vulnerability and long-term planning, and prioritizes gender-responsive dependence of persons and households by increasing environmental and climate policies and gender-related their responsibility and capacity to property, income, violence (Ministry of Home Affairs 2019b). The BGA knowledge, and skills. It also aims to insure against appointed gender focal points (GFPs) in all 17 ministries unexpected events and difficulties or periods due to or sectors to facilitate, support and monitor gender natural, social, and economic calamities. Women are the mainstreaming in the various policy areas, plans and major beneficiaries of these policies and programs because programs. However, the GFPs have not always proven to of their position as caretakers and a high prevalence of be effective (Ministry of Home Affairs 2019b). households headed by women in the coastal areas and in The BGA, in close collaboration with the National Council the interior (Ministry of Home Affairs 2019d).  for Domestic Violence, coordinates and monitors activities on the prevention and elimination of domestic violence I.2. National and sector DRM and climate change in national plans, for instance, the 2009 Combating laws, policies, and plans and the status of their Domestic Violence Act that also has a provision for child gender integration protection (GoS 2009), and the Safe Motherhood and Neonatal Health Action Plan 2012–2016 (Ministry of The GoS has scaled up efforts to integrate DRM into Home Affairs 2019a). national policies and long-term sustainable development plans (table I.2). The Ministry of Defense, the main actor The Ministry of Social Affairs and Housing is primarily in national policies on DRM, established the National responsible for the development and implementation of Coordination Center for Disaster Relief (NCCR) in 2006 the social protection policy, including the 2014 Minimum to develop national DRM policies through disaster risk Hour Wage Act, the 2014 General Pension Benefits Act, prevention and collaboration with regional governments. Table I.2. Suriname’s key policy documents on DRM and gender integration. LAWS, POLICIES, AND PLANS GENDER-SPECIFIC CONTENT Suriname National Adaptation Plan It establishes climate change adaptation that respects Surinamese society (2019–2029) and culture and reduces gender and social inequities, and proposes to GENERAL DRM include gender inequalities in climate change adaptation initiatives. National Climate Change Policy, Strategy and It provides for gender considerations in agriculture and gender equality in Action Plan (2014–2021) climate change education as part of knowledge and behavior. National Disaster Response Plan (Draft) Under development. Environmental Framework Law (Draft) Under development. Land Registration and Land Information System It does not include gender-specific content. Act (2009) Act on Regional Bodies (amended in 2002) It does not include gender-specific content. SECTOR / AGENCY DRM Urban Development Act (1972), Planning They do not include gender-specific content. Decree (1973)   National Health Disaster Plan (2009) It does not include gender-specific content. National Health Plan (2011–2018) It provides for the mainstreaming of gender in all health policies and programs and includes the Safe Hospital Initiative that allows for the increased capacity through the safe hospital initiative to comply with international health regulations in emergencies and disaster situations. Forest Management Act (1992) It does not include gender-specific content. National Biodiversity Action Plan (2012–2016) It does not include gender-specific content. Act on Construction by State Decree (2002) It does not include gender-specific content. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 93 | Suriname’s disaster-related laws and plans, however, learning platforms (GoS 2015). The National Adaption have limited gender content. Its Climate Change Action Plan (NAP) reflects DRM in its sector plans and in a Plan, which includes the DRM sector, provides for gender monitoring and evaluation framework (GoS 2019). Of equality in the agriculture sector and climate change the NAP’s nine sector plans, gender considerations were education, extension services, sharing indigenous, only provided in the agriculture and energy sector plans traditional and local knowledge, participatory action (table I.3). research and social learning, knowledge sharing, and Table I.3. Suriname’s NAP action by sector. SECTOR ACTIONS • Strengthen civil society’s participation in agricultural activities, particularly among women and vulnerable groups. • Develop and practice agriculture, livestock, and fishing techniques that build resilience to a variable and Agriculture changing climate in a participatory way (gender-specific, and according to the Free Prior and Informed Consent protocol). • Gather and compile gender-disaggregated data regarding yield, production, and specified losses, and link those to the weather pattern during the related growing seasons for trends. • Conduct gender research on household energy consumption from gendered perspectives including gaps in Energy access to clean energy, tidal and wave energy, and waste energy. Source: GoS 2015. According to the Gender Vision Policy Document for agricultural production. The NCCR does emphasize, 2021–2035, Suriname’s policy on the environment, that in practice such as in the distribution of emergency biodiversity, and climate change will be aligned with parcels, the specific needs of vulnerable groups such as the gender policy in the years ahead (Ministry of Home the elderly, children, and women, are being considered Affairs 2019b). The draft environmental framework (Heemskerk and Apapoe 2011). law, which is submitted for approval to the National Assembly, sets out the environmental strategy and policy. The GoS works with international agencies to support The Gender Vision Policy Document 2021–2035 and in enhancement of national capacity to implement gender- the Gender Action Plan 2019–2020 have stepped up to responsive programs for emergency preparedness, incorporate environmental and climate change activities response, and recovery such as: ensuring the rights that are specific to gender equality. The BGA plans to of children in emergencies and disasters (UNICEF); further coordinate with the organizations in charge of incorporating sexual reproductive health and gender environmental policy on adapting interventions in the issues into disaster preparedness and mitigation plans environment and climate change priority areas (ibid.). through specific training to National Coordination Center Suriname and health care providers (UNFPA); supporting I.3. Implementation and practice the Ministry of Health in emergency preparedness, While the GoS has not explicitly incorporated gender including implementing a Hospital Safety Index1 (WHO); equality in its disaster-related laws and plans, the NCCR and enabling gender-responsive disaster recovery, climate, is integrating gender equality in its programs. The NCCR and environment resilience (UNDP) (United Nations trains regional district administration offices in DRM Suriname 2016). procedures and planning, where a substantial number of the staff is female and from the local communities (Ministry I.4. Advocacy and knowledge generation of Home Affairs 2019d). An impact analysis of the May The NCCR provides awareness-raising campaigns and 2006 flooding, however, did not differentiate impacts by training to encourage community participation in sex, although the flooding of agricultural plots severely the disaster preparedness and mitigation policies. Its affected women on account of their main responsibility disaster response teams conduct information sessions | 94 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility with communities, interested organizations, and schools indigenous and Maroon peoples with whom the NCCR on preparedness and what actions to take and how to collaborates are female, and many villages have women’s communicate in the event of a disaster. The NCCR’s organizations. These authorities and organizations are website gives simple surviving methods in case of a involved at the community level when discussing DRM, its disasters (NCCR 2017). However, these efforts do not response and prevention. integrate gender-related issues. The Gender Vision Plan 2021–2035 prioritizes the The BGA implemented measures to strengthen environment and climate change. It notes that the effective the evidence base and raise awareness about the participation of women is essential, not only because disproportionate vulnerability of women and girls to the women are disproportionately heavily affected by the impact of environmental degradation and disasters from consequences of climate change and disasters, but also 2017 to 2019: (i) a presentation on DRM and gender because they are agents of change and play an important to the volunteers of the Suricorps2; (ii) an information role in formulating and implementing policy and plans session on climate, media, and gender for media of actions relating to the environment, and protection of academy students and media government workers; (iii) biodiversity as well as in the adaptation and mitigation of an information session on climate change, community climate change (Ministry of Home Affairs 2019b). resilience, and gender for Suriname’s Red Cross Community; and (iv) a presentation on mainstreaming One of the priorities for accelerating progress for gender in the Global Environmental Facility’s projects at a women and girls in Suriname for the coming five years High Level Meeting for Ministers, Permanent Secretaries through laws, policies, and programs is to encourage the and other representatives of the GoS (Ministry of Home participation of women in decision making in climate Affairs 2019d). change and emergencies, and to strengthen women’s participation in ensuring environmental sustainability I.5. Women’s participation and leadership (Ministry of Home Affairs 2019d). During the May 2006 flood, the NCCR worked hard to ensure the effective participation of indigenous I.6. Gaps and recommendations and Maroon women in its activities in the interior, The desk review identified country-specific gender gaps in where women are usually the recipients of support. An DRM and recommends measures to mitigate the related increasing number of the traditional authorities of the gender disparities (table 1.4). Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 95 | Table I.4. Gender-related gaps in DRM and recommendations for Suriname. GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Gaps in gender equality in • Ensure gender equality in the legislation, plans, and policies under DRM legislation, plans, and development and passed such as: the National Environmental Legislation; policies. the 1973 Planning Act for land use in DRR; the Land Registration Act; the Legislation, Disaster Management Legislation; and the law providing its legal basis, the policies, and National Health Disaster Plan. plans • Ensure passage of legislation on equality between men and women in domestic violence cases. • Ensure passage for equal pay, maternity protection, childcare, and unpaid and domestic work. • Insufficient capacity for • Increase statistical and other information on qualitative data to determine gender disaggregated data specific policy and to make problem-solving interventions. generation. • Strengthen BGA’s capacity to collect data, develop, execute, monitor, and • Limited and low quality of evaluate gender strategies and policies. statistical information and • Strengthen NCCA’s capacity to collect gender-responsive data for disaster qualitative data for policy preparedness and recovery as well as to develop, execute, monitor, and interventions. evaluate gender strategies and policies. Sex- • Weak national data collection • Strengthen the capacity of the research departments of social ministries disaggregated system. of Health, Justice and Police; Education, Science and Culture; Labor; data and • Weak gender-responsive Social Affairs and Housing; and the capacity of key government officials gender-specific monitoring and evaluation. (e.g., policy makers) to increase the reliability, regularity, and use of the research gender statistics as well as to disseminate the findings to inform policy • Lack of gender-disaggregated data at the sector level development. • Limited research on gender • Strengthen the national data collection system in capturing measurable and climate change, gender indicators to assess trends in women’s situations. environmental degradation • Collect sex-disaggregated data at the sector level for disaster prevention and disasters. and recovery. • Study the specific vulnerability of women and girls to the impact of environmental degradation, climate change, and disasters. • Under reporting of GBV • Strengthen the prevention and monitoring of human trafficking and complaints forced labor, and domestic violence against women, men, and children • Lack of reporting and action before and after a disaster. on the Gender-based • trafficking of migrants and violence women and on forced labor of migrants, immigrants, children, men, women in agriculture, fishing, mining, construction, and service sectors. • Insufficient gender-related • Develop gender expertise in the BGA in various thematic areas such as expertise of BGA in health, education, power and decision making, employment, and violence. sectors and thematic areas. • Implement gender-responsive budgeting. • Lack of gender budgeting. • Strengthen the capacity for gender integration processes, where equality Institutional • Weak capacity for gender goals are added to all policy goals during policy development, in the public strengthening integration in sectors. and private sectors. • Strengthen the capacity for gender analysis and assessments by sector. • Integrate gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment into the design and implementation of shock-responsive social protection programming. | 96 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility GAPS RECOMMENDATIONS • Lack of gender-responsive • Further develop and intensify gender-responsive national programs in Advocacy and information and education public education and information for disaster preparedness, mitigation, education campaigns for DRM. and recovery. • Lack of civil society • Ensure civil society participation at all levels (national, regional, and local), Partnerships participation at all levels. in particular, strong NGOs with a focus on gender equality for DRM. in DRM • Ensure that NGOs, including Suricorps, integrate gender equality in their disaster preparedness and recovery projects throughout the country. • Lack of inclusion of men and • Ensure the inclusion of ethnic minorities, particularly their women, in Social boys in gender equality work. decision making and participation for disaster preparedness and recovery. inclusion • Limited attention to ethnic • Encourage the engagement of men and boys as strategic allies for minorities in DRM. achieving gender equality in DRR. • Lack of women in leadership • Increase opportunities for mentorship, training in leadership, and decision Women’s position in DRM and in making for DRM. participation preparedness and recovery • Increase women and girls’ active involvement and leadership at all stages and leadership activities. of the DRM cycle. Notes of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean. Santiago, (November 4–8). The Hospital Safety Index provides a snapshot of the probability that Heemskerk, Marieke, and Ine Apapoe. 2011. Gender Equality, a hospital or health facility will continue to function in emergency Gender Relations and the Position of Women in Suriname: A situations, based on structural, nonstructural, and functional factors, Situation Analysis: Final report Submitted to the National Bureau including the environment and the health services network to which Gender Policy. Paramaribo, Suriname. http://www.social- solutions. it belongs (PAHO n.d.).  net/heemskerk/images/gender%20report%20final%20engels_ Suricorps is a Surinamese NGO, set up with support of the submitted%20feb%202011.pdf. Ministry of Regional Development and technical assistance from Ministry of Home Affairs. 2019a. Gender Plan of Action 2019- the UNDP. Its purpose is to mobilize volunteers who are willing 2020. Paramaribo, Suriname: The Government of Suriname. to contribute to care and development of the most vulnerable http://homeaffairs.gov.sr/media/1055/3-juli-engelse-printversie- groups and communities within the framework of national and genderactieplan-2019-2020-1.pdf. local development activities. These projects can be implemented Ministry of Home Affairs. 2019b. Gender Vision Policy Document by the government, NGOs, or directly by Suricorps. They promote (2021-2035). Paramaribo, Suriname: The Government of Suriname. volunteerism in Suriname to strengthen coordination and http://homeaffairs.gov.sr/media/1058/3-juli-engelse-printversie- cooperation between government, civil society, and the private gender-vision-policy-document-2021-2035-1.pdf. sector. They also promote the development of an appropriate legal and policy framework. Ministry of Home Affairs. 2019c. National Report on Progress in the Application of the Montevideo Strategy for Implementation of the Regional Gender Agenda within the Sustainable Development References Framework by 2030. Paramaribo, Suriname: The Government of Suriname. https://www.cepal.org/sites/default/files/suriname_ Committee on the Elimination of All forms of Discrimination Against em_2019.pdf. Women (CEDAW). 2016. “Suriname Report Six.” Ministry of Home Affairs. 2019d. Preliminary Report: National Review Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women. of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action +25. Paramaribo, https://documents-dds- ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N16/304/49/PDF/ Suriname: The Government of Suriname. https://www.cepal.org/ N1630449.pdf?OpenElement. sites/default/files/informe_beijing25_suriname_final_0.pdf. GoS. 2009. Combating Domestic Violence Act. https://evaw-global- Ministry of Home Affairs. 2019e. Preliminary Report: National Review database.unwomen.org/- /media/files/un%20women/vaw/full%20 of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action + 20 (unedited text/americas/law%20on%20domestic%20violence%202009/ draft). Paramaribo, Suriname: The Government of Suriname. https:// suriname%20%20law%20o n%20domestic%20violence%20 www.cepal.org/sites/default/files/preliminary_report_beijing25_ 2009%20dutch.pdf. national_review_suriname_22051 9.pdf. GoS. 2015. Final Climate Change Policy, Strategy and Action Plan NCCR. 2017. Disaster Risk Reduction Country Document 2014-2021. http://extwprlegs1.fao.org/docs/pdf/sur171350.pdf. for Suriname. Paramaribo, Suriname: The National GoS. 2017. National Adaptation Plan, 2017-2020. Government of Coordination Center for Disaster Relief. https:// Suriname, National Coordination Center for Disaster Relief. http:// caribbeanmigration.org/sites/default/files/repository/disasters_ www.nccr.sr.org/smartcms/default.asp. suriname_53917_53917finalcountryreportsuriname_unisdr. org_2014.pdf. GoS. 2019a. Suriname National Adaptation Plan 2019-2029. https:// www4.unfccc.int/sites/NAPC/Documents/Parties/Suriname%20 PAHO. n.d. “The Hospital Safety Index.” https://www.paho.org/ Final%20NAP_apr%202020.pdf. disasters/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=964:safe ty-index&Itemid=912&lang=en. GoS. 2019b. Suriname Report on the Implementation of the Montevideo Strategy October 2016 - May 2019. Fourteenth session United Nations Suriname. 2016. “Emergency Preparedness.” http:// sr.one.un.org/what-we-do/emergency-preparedness/. Gender-Responsive Disaster Preparedness and Recovery in the Caribbean: Desk Review | 97 | Appendix J. Select toolkits, guides, and benchmarking resources consulted for the desk review CBDRM Training and Learning, and Circle. n.d. Integrating Gender Oxfam. 2010. Gender, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Change into Community Based Disaster Risk Management: Training Manual. Adaptation: A Learning Companion. https://www.gdnonline.org/ https://www.preventionweb.net/files/14452_genderincbdrm1.pdf. resources/OxfamGender&ARR.pdf. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2015. Planning for an Pincha, Chaman. 2009. Gender Sensitive Disaster Management: Emergency: Strategies for Identifying and Engaging At-Risk Groups. A A Toolkit for Practitioners. Mumbai: Oxfam America. https://www. Guidance Document for Emergency Managers. Atlanta, GA: CDC. preventionweb.net/publications/view/7792. Gender Task Force. 2006. Checklist to Facilitate Gender Sensitivity of Quality Assurance Group. 2010. Toolkit for Mainstreaming Gender Relief and Reconstruction Efforts for Survivors of the Earthquake in in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) & Climate Change Projects. https:// Pakistan. WHO. http://www.chs.ubc.ca/archives/?q=node/671. www.ndrmf.pk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Final-NDRMF-Toolkit- for-Gender-in-DRR.pdf. Green Climate Fund. 2017. Mainstreaming Gender in Green Climate Fund Projects. Republic of Korea. https://www.greenclimate.fund/ UNDP. 2006. The Eight Point Agenda: Practical, Positive Outcomes sites/default/files/document/guidelines-gcf-toolkit-mainstreaming- for Girls and Women in Crisis. Crisis Prevention and Recovery gender_0.pdf. Programme. https://www.refworld.org/docid/47341fb32.html. Insurance Development Forum. 2020. The Development Impact of UNISDR, UNDP and IUCN. 2009. Making Disaster Risk Risk Analytics. https://www.insdevforum.org/report-development- Reduction Gender-Sensitive: Policy and Practical Guidelines. impact-risk-analytics. Geneva: UN. https://www.preventionweb.net/files/9922_ MakingDisasterRiskReductionGenderSe.pdf. International Recovery Platform. n.d. Disaster Risk Reduction Tools: Gender Assessments. https://www.recoveryplatform.org/assets/ United Nations. 2008. Gender Perspectives: Integrating Disaster tools_guidelines/Gender_info%20kit%207%20DRR%20gender%20 Risk Reduction into Climate Change Adaptation Good Practices and assessment.pdf. Lessons Learned. https://www.un.org/waterforlifedecade/pdf/2008_ isdr_gender_perspectives_disaster_risk_reduction_cc_eng.pdf. Joseph–Brown, Lynette S., and Dawn Tuiloma–Sua. 2012. Integrating Gender in Disaster Management in SmallIsland Developing States: A Guide. https://www.recoveryplatform.org/assets/tools_guidelines/ Checklist_gender_DRM_and_SIDS_web.pdf. | 98 | Canada Caribbean Resilient Facility Appendix K. Glossary of Terminology Building Back Better: The term implies that “repaired or replaced Recovery: The restoring or improving of livelihoods and health as assets are more resilient, but also that the recovery process is well as economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets, shorter and more efficient, and that the entire recovery process systems and activities, of a disaster-affected community or society, does not leave anyone behind—i.e. that even the poorest and most aligning with the principles of sustainable development and “build vulnerable receive the support they need to fully recover” (Hallegatte, back better,” to avoid or reduce future disaster risk (UNISDR 2017, 23). Rentschler, and Walsh 2018, 2). Women and girls’ empowerment: It is the expansion of choice Gender analysis: A critical and systematic examination of and the strengthening of voice through the transformation of power differences in the constraints and opportunities available to an relations so that women and girls have more control over their lives individual or group of individuals based on their sex and gender and futures (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2016). identity (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2011). Vulnerability: The conditions determined by physical, social, Gender equality: The state of being equal in status, rights and economic, and environmental factors or processes which increase the opportunities, and being valued equally regardless of sex or gender susceptibility of an individual, a community, assets, or systems to the identify and/or expression (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2011). impacts of hazards. Gender equity: The provision of fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women and men (UNICEF 2017). References Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 2011. “Gender Equality Lexicon.” Gender lens. A perspective that pays attention to how gender https://www.gatesgenderequalitytoolbox.org/definitions-concepts/ differences and relations are relevant for investments and projects gender-equality-lexicon/. (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 2011). Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 2016. “A Conceptual Model of Gender mainstreaming and integration: Two strategies used Women and Girls’ Empowerment.” https://docs.gatesfoundation.org/ to address gender norms, equity, and equality, and empowerment Documents/BMGF_EmpowermentModel.pdf. as DRR approaches and interventions. These strategies ensure that gender perspectives are integrated into organizational activities such FAO. 2016. A Gender-responsive Approach to Disaster Risk Reduction as policy development; research; advocacy; legislation; resource Planning in the Agriculture Sector: Guidance to Support Women and allocation; and planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating Men to Build Resilience in the Face of Disasters. Geneva: FAO. http:// DRR programs to affect social and cultural norms (UNICEF 2017). www.fao.org/3/a-i6531e.pdf. Gender-responsive approach in DRR: Gender-based differences GFDRR. 2012. The Sendai Report: Managing Disasters for a Resilient and issues are considered in the design of the policy, strategy, plan, or Future. Tokyo, Washington, D.C.: World Bank. https://www.gfdrr.org/ program, and gender equality and women and girls’ empowerment en/publication/sendai-report. are promoted in its implementation (FAO 2016, 3). Hallegatte, Stéphane, Jun Rentschler, and Brian Walsh. 2018. Building Hazard: The potential occurrence of a natural or human-induced Back Better: Achieving Resilience Through Stronger, Faster and More physical event that may cause loss of life, injury, or other health Inclusive Post-disaster Reconstruction. Washington, D.C.: GFDRR. impacts as well as damage and loss to property, infrastructure, https://www.gfdrr.org/sites/default/files/publication/Building%20 livelihoods, service provision, and environmental resources (GFDRR Back%20Better.pdf. 2012, 55). UNICEF. 2017. Gender Equality: Glossary of Terms and Concepts. Preparedness: The knowledge and capacities developed by https://www.unicef.org/rosa/media/1761/file/Gender%20 governments, professional response and recovery organizations, glossary%20of%20terms%20and%20concepts%20.pdf. communities, and individuals to effectively anticipate, respond to, UNISDR. 2017. Build Back Better in Recovery, Rehabilitation and and recover from, the impacts of likely, imminent or current hazard Reconstruction, Consultative Version. Geneva: UNISDR. https://www. events or conditions (UNISDR 2017, 21). preventionweb.net/files/53213_bbb.pdf. https://www.gfdrr.org/en/crf