By Sushma Modi, Junior Professional Associate at the World Bank, Ethiopia

Across South Asia and the wider Asia-Pacific region, disasters are becoming more frequent, intense, and complex as climate change accelerates. Floods, cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, and extreme heat increasingly disrupt livelihoods, displace communities, and strain public systems. While disaster response often focuses on infrastructure damage and economic loss, another serious consequence frequently remains overlooked—the rise in gender-based violence (GBV). Evidence from humanitarian practice and community experience shows that when disasters weaken protection systems, disrupt social networks, and increase stress within households and communities, violence against women and girls often intensifies.

Gender-based violence during disasters is not accidental. It is closely linked to existing social and economic inequalities that shape how risks are experienced. Women and girls frequently face increased exposure to harassment, domestic violence, exploitation, and insecurity during evacuation, displacement, and recovery. Overcrowded relief camps, poorly lit sanitation facilities, unsafe public spaces, and limited access to livelihoods can all create conditions where violence becomes more likely. In many cases, survivors lack safe reporting channels or access to legal, medical, and psychosocial support.

Despite these realities, disaster risk reduction (DRR) policies and climate adaptation strategies often treat GBV as a secondary issue rather than a central risk. Preparedness plans typically prioritise hazard forecasting, emergency logistics, and infrastructure resilience, while protection concerns receive far less attention. As a result, disaster management systems may respond effectively to physical hazards while leaving social risks unaddressed.

Ending gender-based violence in disaster contexts requires a shift in how resilience is understood and implemented. Protection must be integrated into every stage of disaster governance—from preparedness and early warning to response, recovery, and climate adaptation. Recognising GBV as a core disaster risk is an important first step. Risk assessments and preparedness plans should include protection indicators, safe evacuation systems, and gender-sensitive shelter design to ensure that women and girls can access safety without fear.

Strengthening women’s leadership in disaster governance is equally important. Women are often central to community networks, caregiving systems, and local knowledge about risks. When women participate meaningfully in local disaster committees, urban planning processes, and community preparedness initiatives, safety concerns become more visible and solutions become more inclusive.

Economic resilience also plays a critical role. Livelihood loss and financial stress after disasters can intensify tensions within households and communities. Supporting women’s access to secure livelihoods, social protection, and climate-resilient economic opportunities can reduce vulnerability and strengthen household stability.

Finally, stronger collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, women’s groups, humanitarian agencies, and research institutions is essential. Addressing GBV in disaster contexts requires coordinated action that combines protection systems, legal frameworks, community awareness, and survivor support services.

By 2030, disaster risk reduction and climate resilience efforts must move beyond protecting infrastructure alone. They must also safeguard dignity, safety, and human rights. Ending gender-based violence in disasters is not only a gender justice priority—it is a fundamental measure of whether resilience efforts truly protect the most vulnerable members of society.

(Report of the session on Ending Gender-Based Violence in Disaster Risks and Climate Resilience by 2030.)