Gender Inclusion and the Impact on Women’s Lives in Post Disaster Build Back Better Programmes in Sri Lanka

This paper focuses on consideration and inclusion of gender, specifically aspects in relation to women in post disaster rebuilding strategies and policies in Trincomalee and Batticaloa Districts in Sri Lanka. It explores whether gender concerns were addressed within the context of the Build Back Better programmes and examines the prospects for promoting livelihood opportunities, household incomes and community benefits. The objectives of the paper are to examine the development of gender inclusivity agenda in Sri Lanka, explore gender in the context of disaster events, and the impact of gender responsive programmes on livelihoods of women. Women’s participation and engagement in decision making and the potential contribution of their micro incomes on household earnings are also discussed. The research mainly adopts a qualitative methodology, relying on literature and case study reviews complemented by quantitative data collected by government and international agencies in relation to the location. Policy documents and data sets related to gender inclusion in South Asia, focusing on Sri Lanka and the chosen locations, Trincomalee and Batticaloa, were analysed. Three case studies were selected and reviewed in detail against their aims, objectives, results and benefits. Emerging themes were identified to capture any impact they had on women’s engagement and livelihoods in post disaster contexts. The result and information show that gender inclusion has not advanced considerably. While foundations for gender equity and inclusion are laid, many more progressive initiatives and development protocols are needed to mainstream gender inclusion in post disaster development programmes. It is expected that findings will provide a deeper understanding of gender inclusion in redevelopment activities and the related governance processes to engage women and respond to their needs with the available resources.