Enabling women's empowerment in post disaster reconstruction

The occurrence of disasters has increased tremendously during the recent past. Although disaster management efforts are designed to benefit both men and women in real practice, a larger share of benefits and resources goes to men and women continue to remain marginalised. Recent studies have recognised the need to include women's contribution to disaster management and emphasised its importance in building disaster resilient communities. Empowerment is a process by which women could acquire the ability to make strategic life choices, which could not only overcome above barriers but also to achieve disaster resilient societies. Hence this study explores women's status in post disaster situations and examines the concept of empowerment. Further it discusses the factors that influence women's empowerment in post disaster reconstruction. This study was based upon a theoretical as well as practical ideas obtained through comprehensive literature review.