This book explores an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of gender and development
studies disaster and land tenure policy. It is well known that women generally have weaker
claims to land. But how does that translate to increased vulnerability during disaster? Using
case studies from Asia this book argues that land tenure is a key factor in mitigating the
impact of disasters on women. The scale and frequency of disasters have been increasing in
recent decades due to human impact on the landscape and climate. Unsustainable farming and land
management systems have increased environmental risks and social vulnerabilities. However
around the world the costs of disasters are disproportionately borne by women due largely to
their reduced mobility and lack of control over assets. In post-disaster settings women's
vulnerabilities increase due to gendered rescue and rehabilitation practices. As such a
gendered approach to land rights is critical to disaster preparedness and recovery.
