Introduction basic concept of Gender, sex, and Gender Discrimination in disaster situations

 Gender: Gender refers to the social and cultural roles, expectations, and norms associated with being male or female, while sex refers to the biological differences between males and females. Gender is not the same as sex, although the two are often used interchangeably. (WHO,2019)

In Bangladesh, like in many other cultures, gender is a socially constructed concept that refers to the roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female. Gender is a complex and multifaceted concept that intersects with other identities such as class, ethnicity, and religion.

One example of the gender concept in Bangladesh can be seen in the country's traditional gender roles. In many households, men are expected to be the breadwinners and decision-makers, while women are expected to take care of the household and children. Women are often discouraged from pursuing education or careers outside the home.

Sex: “Sex refers to “the different biological and physiological characteristics of males and females, such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, hormones, etc.” (WHO,2019)

Sex refers to the biological characteristics that distinguish males and females, typically based on reproductive organs, hormones, and chromosomes. In humans, sex is determined by the presence of either XX or XY chromosomes, which determine the development of male or female reproductive organs.

However, it is important to note that sex is not always binary, as intersex individuals may have variations in their sex chromosomes, hormones, and/or reproductive organs that do not fit into traditional male or female categories. Additionally, some individuals may identify as transgender, meaning their gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Gender Vs Sex: This table provides a more detailed comparison of gender and sex, taking into account additional aspects. However, it's important to remember that these concepts are complex and can be experienced and understood differently by individuals.

Aspect	Gender	Sex
Definition	A social and cultural construct encompassing roles, behaviors, activities, and expectations deemed appropriate for males and females.	Biological differences between males and females are typically determined by reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones.
Determination	Assigned by society and can vary across different cultures and societies.	Assigned at birth based on physical characteristics such as genitalia.
Expression	Can be expressed and experienced in various ways, including identification as male, female, both, neither, or other gender identities.	Typically expressed as male or female, with intersex individuals having variations in biological sex characteristics.
Fluidity	Gender identities can be fluid and may change over time.	Biological sex is generally considered to be fixed and unchanging.
Cultural Influence	Shaped by social, cultural, and historical factors, and varies across different societies and time periods.	Less influenced by social and cultural factors and is more rooted in biological characteristics.
Examples	Gender identity, gender roles, gender expression, gender stereotypes.	Male, female, intersex.

Gender Equality: Gender equality requires equal enjoyment by women and men of socially valued goods, opportunities, resources and rewards. Where gender inequality exists, it is generally women who are excluded or disadvantaged in relation to decision-making and access to economic and social resources.

Gender equity: Gender equity is the process of being fair to women and men according to their respective needs. To ensure fairness, strategies and measures are needed to compensate for women’s historical and social disadvantages that prevent women and men from otherwise operating on a level playing field. The picture demonstrates the comparison of gender equity with ‘equality’ (where it has been assumed that everyone benefits equally from the same support). (Source: enterprise-development.org,2020)

Gender Blindness:  This term refers to the failure to recognize that the roles and responsibilities of men/boys and women/girls are assigned to them in specific social, cultural, economic, and political contexts and backgrounds. Projects, programs, policies and attitudes which are gender-blind do not take into account these different roles and diverse needs. They maintain the status quo and will not help transform the unequal structure of gender relations. (unescwa.org,2016)

Gender awareness: Gender awareness is the opposite of gender blindness. To be gender aware means to be in tune with the differences, expectations, and needs of people of different genders. (unescwa.org,2016)

Gender-sensitive/Conscious: Gender-sensitive means that there is an awareness of different roles, responsibilities and inequalities. This is necessary to start addressing the barriers to gender equality that hinder women’s economic empowerment. (Source: enterprise-development.org,2020)

Gender positive: Gender positive means actively considering the barriers that women face and putting in the necessary effort to ensure that the respective needs of men and women are met for both to participate and benefit. This approach builds on gender sensitivity and focuses on gender equity. (Source: enterprise-development.org,2020)

Gender bias: Gender bias is the tendency to favor one gender over others or to make assumptions about someone based on their gender. It can lead to gender-based discrimination, which is when someone receives different treatment because of their gender. (Source: enterprise-development.org,2020)

Gender-sensitive: Gender-sensitive is an approach to planning and decision-making that takes into account the different needs, priorities, and experiences of women and men. It is based on the understanding that gender is a social construct and that the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities of women and men are shaped by social, cultural, and economic factors. (eige.europa.eu,2023)

Gender transformative: Gender transformative means that systemic change can occur through the Women's Economic Empowerment (WEE) initiative. Gender transformative programs or initiatives challenge existing gender roles, responsibilities and unequal power relations, thereby addressing root causes of gender inequality, toward gender justice. (Source: enterprise-development.org,2020)

Gender-Sensitive Approach: A gender-sensitive approach is an approach to planning and decision-making that takes into account the different needs, priorities, and experiences of women and men. It is based on the understanding that gender is a social construct and that the roles, responsibilities, and opportunities of women and men are shaped by social, cultural, and economic factors. (eige.europa.eu,2023)

Gender Transformative Approaches: Gender transformative approaches seek to challenge gender inequality by transforming harmful gender norms, roles and relations while working towards redistributing power, resources, and services more equally. (UNFPA.org)

Gender-Sensitive Approach vs Gender Transformative Approaches

Characteristic	Gender-sensitive approach	Gender-transformative approach
Goal	To ensure that women and men have equal opportunities	To challenge and transform the underlying causes of gender inequality
Focus	On the different needs and experiences of women and men	On the root causes of gender inequality, such as harmful gender norms and stereotypes
Outcomes	Increased participation of women and men in decision-making	Transformation of gender relations and the achievement of gender equality
Benefits	·       Improves access to and quality of healthcare services for all genders. ·       Creates a more equitable and inclusive health system. ·       Challenges gender stereotypes and norms. ·       Empowers women and marginalized genders	·       Improves access to and quality of healthcare services for all genders. ·       Considers gender-related factors, such as reproductive health needs, gender-based violence, and socio-cultural contexts. ·       Tailors’ healthcare services to the specific needs of different genders.

(UNFPA.org)

Gender Transformative Programming

Gender transformative programming refers to integrating the gender transformative approach into project and programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

It promotes gender transformative change at the individual and systemic level and across informal and formal spheres of life. At the core of gender transformative programming lie interventions that aim at addressing practical gender needs (e.g. knowledge, skills, access to productive resources) and strategic gender interests (e.g. decision-making power, position/status in society) by triggering changes in agency, social relations and social structures. (fao.org)

Gender discrimination: Gender discrimination occurs when people are treated differently based on their gender, which often leads to unequal access to opportunities, resources, and services. Gender discrimination can take many forms, including sexual harassment, unequal pay for equal work, and limited access to education, healthcare, and political participation. (Soken-Huberty, E. ,2023)

In disaster situations, gender and sex play a significant role in determining how people are affected, their vulnerability and their resilience. Gender roles and norms often determine who has access to resources and decision-making power in a community, which can impact how women, men, and children are affected by disasters. Women and children are often more vulnerable to the effects of disasters, as they may have limited access to resources, be subjected to sexual violence, and face higher rates of mortality due to lack of access to healthcare. Gender discrimination can also contribute to unequal distribution of aid and resources during and after disasters, which further exacerbates existing inequalities.

Aspects of Gender Discrimination: There are various forms of gender discrimination that can occur in different aspects of life. Here are some common forms of gender discrimination:

{ Employment Discrimination: This occurs when individuals are treated unfairly in the workplace based on their gender. It can include practices such as pay disparities, hiring biases, promotion limitations, and sexual harassment.

{ Wage Gap: This refers to the difference in average earnings between men and women. Women often face lower wages for performing the same job or similar work as men.

{ Gender Stereotyping: This involves making assumptions or generalizations about individuals based on their gender, which can lead to unequal treatment and limited opportunities. For example, assuming that women are not suited for leadership positions or that men are not nurturing caregivers.

{ Educational Discrimination: This occurs when individuals are denied equal educational opportunities based on their gender. It can involve biased admissions, limited access to certain subjects or fields of study, or inadequate resources and support.

{ Gender-based Violence: This refers to any form of violence, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, or harassment, that is primarily directed at an individual based on their gender. Women are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, but it can impact individuals of any gender.

{ Restrictive Gender Roles: This involves societal expectations and norms that dictate specific roles, behaviors, and responsibilities for individuals based on their gender. It can limit opportunities and choices, such as pressuring women to prioritize caregiving over career advancement or stigmatizing men who express emotions.

{ Lack of Political Representation: This refers to the underrepresentation of women in political positions and decision-making roles. It can result in policies and laws that do not adequately address the needs and rights of women and perpetuate gender inequality.

{ Access to Healthcare: Gender discrimination in healthcare can involve unequal access to reproductive healthcare services, inadequate research and funding for women's health issues, or biases in treatment and diagnosis.

Climate Change and Gender Discrimination

Climate change affects people around the world in various ways, and its impact is not gender neutral. Both men and women experience the consequences of climate change, but gender discrimination exacerbates the vulnerability of women in coping with and adapting to the challenges posed by global warming. Below are some key statistics that highlight the relationship between climate change and gender discrimination:

{ Disproportionate Effects on Women: According to the United Nations, women make up around 80% of those who are displaced by climate change. This is because women are more likely to live in poverty and have limited access to resources, making them more vulnerable to the impacts of extreme weather events and environmental changes. (Un.org,2023)

{ Access to Resources: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) reports that women in developing countries, especially rural areas, are responsible for providing water, food, and fuel for their families. As climate change affects these resources, women's burden often increases, impacting their health and well-being. (undp.org,2023)

{ Health Impacts: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of people displaced by climate-related disasters are women. Women's health is also affected due to increased exposure to indoor air pollution when they have to rely on traditional cooking methods in the absence of clean energy sources.

{ Education and Employment: During climate-related crises, girls' education is often disrupted. According to UNESCO, girls are more likely to drop out of school during and after disasters, leading to long-term consequences for their economic opportunities and empowerment. (unesco.org,2023)

{ Decision-making and Representation: Women are often underrepresented in decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation and mitigation. The Global Gender and Climate Alliance reports that only 12% of countries have achieved gender parity in their climate delegations. (gender-climate.org,2023)

{ Land Rights: Women are less likely to own land, which poses a significant challenge when communities need to relocate due to rising sea levels or extreme weather events. Secure land rights are crucial for ensuring resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change.