Women Leadership in Disaster Management: The Case of Beirut Blast

Abstract

Disaster affects men and women differently. Some research shows that women are more vulnerable than men in disasters. Due to gender inequality, women are more affected disproportionately by disaster, such as they are more likely to lose their livelihoods and houses, gender-based violence, and loss of life pre and post the disaster. Although that, women show their capability to respond and recover from crisis through building community resilience and participating in disaster risk reduction.

Some theoretical approaches indicate the possibilities for Women’s grassroots and non-profit organizations to adopt self-protective action in disasters based on their community work. In addition, some research indicates that women describe themselves as transformational leaders which have effective and impacted roles in disaster response plans. Even though, there is still a lack of research on women and disaster and particularly women leaders' roles in disaster management in Beirut Blast 2020.

This thesis explores women's leadership in disaster management in Beirut Blast 2020 focusing on disaster response, mitigation, and recovery phase. The importance of the thesis is to broaden the literature on women leadership and disaster management and to identify the significance of women leadership and building its resilience in disaster risk reduction and social change. Data were collected first from the seven women leaders of international and local NGOs and women grassroots: and three from women experts.

The present thesis will benefit researchers as a testimony to the crucial role of women leaders in disaster management in the Beirut Blast. Furthermore, the information generated by the interviewees allowed us to get a comprehensive picture of the status of Lebanese women leaders in Beirut Blast (roles, challenges, motivations, and actions). Revealed findings provide a specific roadmap for conceptualizing and enhancing Women's Leadership during and after Beirut Blast.