Overview

The Gender and Disaster Network is an educational and advocacy project initiated by women and men interested in gender relations in disaster contexts. It emerged from an early morning meeting during the July 1997 Natural Hazards Research and Applications Center workshop in Boulder, Colorado. GDN became the major outcome of the 'Women's Disaster Research Caucus' meeting convened by Barbara Vogt on 16 July 1997. We use the Internet and other forms of new media in support of a global network of researchers and practitioners. However, we recognize that communications technology is not fully or easily accessible and that we must continue reaching out to work in many languages and contexts. Our Goals: 1. Document and analyse people's experiences before, during, and after disasters, situating gender relations in broad political, economic, historical, and cultural contexts. 2. Work across disciplinary and organizational boundaries in support of collaborative research and applied projects. 3. Foster information sharing, resource building and networking among members. 4. Build and sustain an active international community of scholars and activists. 5. Advocate for change in policy and practice at all levels.