Conflict, violence, crime and disasters disrupt or destroy a country’s basic systems and institutions. While both men and women may suffer, the relatively disadvantaged situation of women and girls, their distinctive social obligations and responsibilities, and especially their exposure to gender based violence often means that they are disproportionately affected by these catastrophes compared to men and may miss out on the benefits of recovery.

Women are often considered an easy target when there is a lack of security, and when the rule of law breaks down, and discriminatory practices may exacerbate a culture of impunity.

Women’s greater vulnerability to poverty may threaten their livelihoods to a greater extent than those of men. At the same time, women are often excluded from decision making in crisis prevention and recovery and are often absent from the negotiating table so their interests may be overlooked.