Why India’s Women Are More Vulnerable to Disasters
As rising temperatures increase the frequency and severity of floods and other natural catastrophes in India, policymakers must consider how gender inequalities amplify their effects. During and after such events, women experience higher mortality rates, have less access to relief measures, and are more susceptible to violence.
PUNE/NEW DELHI – Of the many natural disasters that afflict India each year, floods are by far the most prevalent. This is no surprise, given that around 40 million hectares of land in the country are prone to flooding, and nearly 75% of the annual rainfall comes in the space of a few months.