With the heightened probability of more intense and frequent disasters due to climate change, coupled with social fragmentation and mounting pressure on emergency services, communities face growing challenges in recovery. Extended recovery periods will have an adverse effect on families, partners, and specific vulnerable groups.

Research has demonstrated an upsurge in domestic and family violence following such disasters. When disaster strikes, outdated and harmful gendered expectations are amplified. Women are expected to sacrifice their own safety and wellbeing for the family, and men are expected to provide and protect, even in disasters.

During and after disaster there is increased pressure on men to conform to rigid, damaging masculine stereotypes. Anger is a more acceptable response than a man’s tears. Fears of failing to “live up” to a hyper-masculine ideal may contribute to mental health problems. This contributes to increased violence against women and their children and negative consequences for women, men and LGBTQIA+ people, long after disaster.

For over a decade, GADAus (formerly The GAD Pod) has worked to embed an understanding of the role gender plays in emergency management practice to address and minimise the harmful impacts of gendered expectations in disaster.

Rotary Melbourne and GADAus will provide Rotarians, family members, friends and other community organisations the opportunity to participate in Lessons in Disaster training hosted by Rotary Club of Daylesford.

This award-winning Lessons in Disaster training will help you understand:

  • The distinct experiences of women and men during disasters.
  • How gender roles often expect men to protect and provide while women are expected to prioritise nurturing others at the expense of their own safety.
  • The experiences of people from diverse backgrounds including the LGBTIQA+ community and people with a disability.
  • That applying a gendered lens at every stage of disaster leads to stronger and more inclusive communities in recovery.

Tickets are free thanks to federal funding from the Commonwealth Government, through the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-2032. Lunch will be included.

Date: Saturday 21st September, 2024
Time: 9.30am to 4.30pm
Venue: Vereys, 43A Millar Street Daylesford, 3460
Registration: Eventbrite
More information: Lesley Hewitt, Rotary Daylesford  (lesley.hewitt55@gmail.com) or Melesa Osborne, GDAus, m.osborne@genderanddisaster.com.au

Supported by Rotary SAFE Families