More or Less Are women 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters?
Jul 27, 2024
The podcast delves into the controversial claim that women are 14 times more likely to die in natural disasters, questioning its source and reliability. It highlights a critical meeting advocating for gender diversity in disaster research, revealing historical oversights. The conversation emphasizes the need for gender-inclusive data that accurately reflects socio-economic disparities. Case studies from disasters like Hurricane Katrina illustrate the unique challenges women face, underscoring the importance of technology and support systems in these crises.
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Origin of the 14x Claim
- The 14x claim originated from a mid-90s meeting about gender in disaster research.
- It reflected field observations, not scientific data, from places like the Pacific Rim, Bangladesh, and Africa.
Lack of Early Research
- Early gender-disaster research was limited because data didn't account for age, ethnicity, or gender.
- This oversight led to women and children often being overlooked in disaster assessments.
Debunking the 14x Myth
- The 14x claim is a myth; research suggests a lower disparity in disaster mortality rates.
- While more men die in developed countries due to occupational hazards, the reverse tends to be true in developing nations.