1. World problems
  2. Vulnerability of women and children in emergencies

Vulnerability of women and children in emergencies

  • Vulnerability of women during armed conflicts
  • Vulnerability of women during foreign military occupation
  • Lack of protection of women and children during disasters

Nature

In the case of famine, flood, earthquake, civil conflict, epidemic disease, or war, women and children separated from the men of their families are exceptionally vulnerable. Armed conflicts affect men and women alike in terms of economic and social dislocation, displacement of people, physical disability, and emotional and psychological damage. Women, however, are more vulnerable to violation of their basic human rights, because they are less able to defend themselves. Several forms of physical violence and discrimination are endemic in most societies. In situations of armed conflict, women are especially vulnerable because they are fleeing persecution, because of the social disruption caused by flight, because they are sometimes separated from their families and the protection of their community, and finally because they are foreigners in an alien environment. Often it is the children and the aged, usually women, who succumb first, lacking the resources or abilities to overcome the hazards with which they are surrounded. Lasting traumatic damage often accompanies the harrowing experiences of man-made or natural disasters, and unprotected children thus become impaired adults.

Claim

Mothers and children have the right to continue the propagation of their kind in peace and good health. No society which neglects their care during natural and human-made disasters and emergencies continues to grow.

Counter-claim

While some may argue that the vulnerability of women and children in emergencies is a pressing issue, I contend that it is overstated. In many situations, individuals adapt and survive regardless of gender or age. Focusing on this narrative diverts attention from broader systemic problems that affect all demographics. Instead of emphasizing vulnerability, we should promote resilience and self-sufficiency, empowering everyone to navigate emergencies without unnecessary victimization.This information has been generated by artificial intelligence.

Broader

Narrower

Aggravates

War casualties
Presentable

Aggravated by

Homelessness
Excellent
Social neglect
Presentable
Disasters
Presentable

Related

Strategy

Value

Vulnerability
Yet to rate
Protection
Yet to rate
Lack
Yet to rate
Invulnerability
Yet to rate
Foreign
Yet to rate
Disaster
Yet to rate
Conflict
Yet to rate

Reference

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #3: Good Health and Well-beingSustainable Development Goal #5: Gender EqualitySustainable Development Goal #10: Reduced InequalitySustainable Development Goal #13: Climate ActionSustainable Development Goal #16: Peace and Justice Strong Institutions

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(D) Detailed problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
  • Defence » Arms
  • Defence » Conflict
  • Defence » Military
  • Societal problems » Emergencies
  • Societal problems » Protection
  • Societal problems » Scarcity
  • Societal problems » Vulnerability
  • Society » Foreign
  • Society » Infants
  • Society » Women
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    1A4N
    D1078
    DOCID
    11410780
    D7NID
    139679
    Last update
    Oct 4, 2020