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Disaster Cycle Research Paper: Cyclone Idai and Gendered Vulnerabilities
Importance of Examining Cyclone Idai through Gender and Intersectional Identities
Disasters do not affect all populations equally. Cyclone Idai, which struck Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi in March 2019, provides a critical case study for understanding how gender and intersectional identities shape vulnerability throughout the disaster cycle. Women, children, elderly, and those living with disabilities often experience compounded risks due to social, economic, and cultural inequities. This paper argues that examining Cyclone Idai through a gendered and intersectional lens reveals how vulnerabilities are created, reinforced, and mitigated at each stage of the disaster cycle, offering insights into improving disaster preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
Background and History
Cyclone Idai was a tropical cyclone that hit Southern Africa in March 2019, primarily affecting Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. The storm caused catastrophic flooding, high winds, and widespread destruction. The scale of the disaster was unprecedented in the region: over 1,300 people were killed, and an estimated 3 million people were affected, including displacement, injuries, and loss of homes and livelihoods (ReliefWeb, 2019).
In Mozambique, gendered social structures influenced vulnerability. Women are disproportionately responsible for domestic work, caring for children, and fetching water, often in precarious conditions (UN Women, 2019). Cultural norms limited women’s mobility and access to early warning information, increasing risk exposure. Similarly, individuals with disabilities or from minority ethnic groups were often marginalised, restricting access to aid and shelters. Understanding these pre-existing inequalities is essential for assessing how gender and intersectional identities influence disaster outcomes.
Disaster Cycle
Exposure to Risk
Women and marginalised groups were disproportionately exposed to Cyclone Idai’s hazards. In rural areas, many women lived in flood-prone homes made of low-quality materials and lacked access to evacuation infrastructure. Intersectional factors such as disability, age, or economic status increased risk. For instance, single mothers with young children faced barriers to mobility, and people with disabilities could not easily navigate flooding zones. Future risk reduction strategies should prioritise inclusive housing and infrastructure improvements (Enarson & Fordham, 2019).
Risk Perception
Perceptions of risk were shaped by socio-cultural norms. Women often recognised threats but could not act independently due to patriarchal family structures. Additionally, marginalised communities had limited access to meteorological information or were less likely to be trusted sources. These gaps in perception highlight the need for community-based risk communication that addresses local power dynamics and ensures all identities receive timely warnings (Bradshaw & Fordham, 2013).
Preparedness Behaviour
Preparedness measures were uneven. Wealthier households had emergency kits, safe shelters, and evacuation plans, while poorer households, particularly female-headed or disabled households, lacked resources. Education campaigns did not fully consider literacy levels, cultural barriers, or the specific needs of women and marginalised populations. Enhanced participatory planning could increase preparedness among all groups, addressing intersectional vulnerabilities (Neumayer & Plümper, 2007).
Warning Communication and Response
Early warning systems were partially effective. Radio announcements were the primary mode of communication; however, women engaged in domestic labour or people in remote areas often missed warnings. Response mechanisms sometimes assumed able-bodied, male heads of households, leaving women, elderly, and disabled individuals behind. Integrating gender-sensitive and accessible communication channels is essential for improving response rates (UNDP, 2019).
Physical Impacts
Cyclone Idai’s winds and flooding destroyed homes, schools, health centres, and agricultural land. Physical impacts were gendered: women lost not only their homes but also their tools for livelihoods, such as market stalls or small farming plots. Pregnant women and young children were particularly vulnerable to waterborne diseases and injury. Disability and age intersected with these factors, amplifying exposure to harm. Infrastructure planning must account for these differential impacts to reduce vulnerability in future events.
