Gender, Diversity and Climate Change IFRC Southeast Asia Regional Delegation

What do we mean by Gender and Diversity? Background What do we mean by Gender and Diversity?

Gender VS Sex Sex is the biological differences between men and women. Gender and Sex are not the same Sex is the biological differences between men and women. It is the biological, physical and genetic composition with which we are born People are born male or female

Definition: Gender Gender does not just mean women For the IFRC, gender refers to the social differences between males and females throughout their life cycles. People are born male and female but they learn how to be masculine and feminine

Definition: Diversity Means acceptance and respect for all forms of social differences. This includes, but is not limited to: differences in gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, HIV status, socio-economic status, religion, nationality, and ethnic origin (including minority and migrant groups).

Definition: Marginalized Groups Marginalized populations are defined as those groups or individuals who are discriminated against or who have less power to provide and protect for themselves and their families due to aspects of their diversity.

Definition: Vulnerability Vulnerability is defined as the conditions determined by physical, social, economic, environmental and political factors or processes, which increase risk and susceptibility of people to the impact of hazards.

Why is a Gender and Diversity Perspective Important? Rationale Why is a Gender and Diversity Perspective Important?

Why is a Gender and Diversity approach important for RCRC National Societies? Disaster Risk - Women, girls and boys are 14 times more likely to die during a disaster than are men Health Risk - Certain groups are more vulnerable to disease because they are unable to realize their Interpersonal Violence - it is among the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 44 world-wide. And, the rate of interpersonal violence greatly increases during and after disasters.

IFRC Strategic Framework on Gender and Diversity Issues Drafted with the participation of 46 RCRC National Societies Adopted by the General Assembly in Sydney 2013 Goal: The IFRC and its member National Societies meet the needs and basic rights – and build on the capacities and resilience – of vulnerable women, girls, men and boys, without any discrimination and with respect for diversity

IFRC Strategic Framework on Gender and Diversity Issues Outcome 1 = Gender and Diversity Equality at all levels (governance, management, staff and volunteers) Outcome 2 = Integrate Gender and Diversity into all programmes, services, and tools Outcome 3 = Reduced Violence through programmes and the promotion of RCRC fundamental principles and humanitarian values.

Definition: Gender Equality Gender Equality exists when males and females are able to share equally the distribution of power and have equal opportunities both in public and in private. Gender Equality does not mean that males and females are the same – it means that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities do not depend on their sex. It is achieved through a combination of Gender Equity and Gender Empowerment

Definition: Gender and Diversity Equity Equity happens when resources and services are divided so that people who need more, get more.

Gender and Diversity Mainstreaming Gender Mainstreaming is the act of applying a gender perspective across all programs and projects through a strategic direction or framework. Applying a “Gender Lens” to planning, programming, tools and strategies Integrating gender and diversity into policies, programs, tools and strategies

Gender and Diversity Equality reduces vulnerability By increasing gender equality, a greater percentage of the population has access to the services and resources that increase their resilience to natural disasters and interpersonal violence. But how is the related to climate change? Different Needs – Different Abilities

Gender, Diversity and Climate Change How can integrating Gender and Diversity Equality reduce the vulnerabilities associated with Climate Change? Group Exercises Discussion

Wrap up and Key Messages Women, Men, Boys and Girls experience disasters differently People have different needs and different capacities – incorporate ALL needs in programs, plans and activities Equality Reduces Vulnerability Equality is achieved through Equity and Empowerment