A Comprehensive Framework for Empowering Women in Disaster Risk Governance in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop a comprehensive framework for empowering women who work in disaster risk governance in Sri Lanka. Women’s empowerment in disaster risk governance has been identified as a strategy to reduce women’s vulnerability to disasters and strengthen the disaster risk governance system towards building a resilient society. The study was conducted within the Sri Lankan disaster preparedness system because of the high disaster profile and the lower level of women’s empowerment in the decision-making system. A case study strategy was employed for data collection. Three highly disaster-prone districts were selected and we conducted 26 semistructured case study interviews. In addition, 14 expert interviews were conducted for better triangulating the results. Thematic analysis and cognitive mapping were adopted for data analysis and identifying strategies. Based on the study findings, a comprehensive framework was developed with four intervention mechanisms: individual, community, organizational, and legislative. Each group of interventions was divided into primary and secondary actions based on their priorities. The validated framework will guide policymakers and practitioners in supporting women’s empowerment in governance with the ultimate objective of enhancing societal resilience.

Keywords

Disaster risk governance / Disasters / Sri Lanka / Vulnerability / Women / Women’s empowerment

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