Gender Dimensions in Disaster and Safety Management

Research shows that disasters affect women more adversely than men especially in developing countries due to differences in socio-cultural customs or physical condition. However, in developed countries, not much difference was found in the percentage of male and female victims of disaster. In South Korea, disasters cause severe damage almost every year, thus the public interest in disaster and safety management is increasing. However, due to insufficient data, it is difficult to analyze whether women suffer more severely than men or not. Therefore, in this study, we reviewed Korea’s disaster management laws and guidelines. In addition, a questionnaire survey was implemented to analyze the level of the public awareness related to disasters and safety management. A total of 489 adults participated in the survey. As a result, it was found that both men and women were not well aware of the possibility of a disaster, and needed to be educated about the locations of shelters and evacuation procedures. Gender analysis showed significant differences in male and female responses concerning some questions. For example, women found it difficult to access disaster and safety management education. Nevertheless, men and women showed similar willingness to participate in disaster and safety management education and training. Therefore, disaster and safety management education programs should be developed and implemented more actively. In addition, it was suggested that sex and age of the victims should be reported and female investigators should be included in the disaster damage investigation team.