Introducing new national Gender and Emergency Management (GEM) Guidelines to support more inclusive disaster risk reduction work

It is widely recognised by emergency sector leaders that a new approach is key to increasing capability as climate change ramps up extreme weather events. Emergency services are seeking ways to understand the diverse communities they serve. Drawing on an extensive literature review and iterative consultation with 350+ emergency management (EM) personnel over two years, this article presents the new Gender and Emergency Management (GEM) Guidelines, and why they are essential to modern practice in this sector. The research, methods and final documents were guided by an Advisory Group. The authors’ own research and international research find that gender issues compound the damaging effects of disaster on survivors. The concept of gender on which this article is based considers both the normative discrimination of men against women, as well as discrimination against people with diverse gender and sexual identities. Gender is a cross-cutting issue, and the three-part GEM Guidelines take readers on a journey to increase understanding of the complexities. The Guidelines themselves focus on three areas: gender equity and diversity; gender-sensitive communication; and domestic violence in disaster. The Guidelines and Checklist provide an accessible way for EM personnel to assess the inclusiveness of their practice. If effectively implemented, this will lead to a nationwide understanding of the critical importance of a gender lens on policies and practice; changed practices for improved disaster planning, response and recovery; and a national capacity to respond to gendered issues. Accessible online (https://www.preventionweb.net/publications/ view/50289), the GEM Guidelines were funded by NEMP.