Acknowledging resolution 7 from Kyiv "Effect of Natural Disasters on Women and Children",
Aware of the frequency of disasters, natural and human-caused, occurring around the world, and that various communities have recently experienced the devastating impacts of major disasters, the most obvious being loss of life, physical injuries, spread of disease, difficulties sourcing food, fuel and fresh water, collapsed and damaged buildings, damaged infrastructure, lost possessions, interruption of business and work – with some of the most serious impacts being social, emotional and psychological,
Concerned that the increase in stress following a disaster has led to a rise in substance abuse and domestic violence in communities experiencing a disaster,
Noting that women in communities that have experienced major disasters have a significant need for good access to a variety of mental health and well-being services and the resources to support them both short-term and longer-term,
Recognising that women with major responsibilities for the well-being of children as well as older family members, suffer more mental stress following a disaster and need the support of those in the community with professional expertise in psychological health and well-being when they are responding to the needs of vulnerable family members who have experienced trauma, health risks, food scarcity, lack of access to clean water, disruption of their daily lives, relocation, and ongoing uncertainty,
Keeping in mind that although women in all socio-economic circumstances experience high levels of stress, it is women on the lowest incomes with least financial resources who are often the most vulnerable and most challenged following a disaster,
THE INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OF WOMEN URGES THE GOVERNMENTS OF ITS AFFILIATED NATIONAL COUNCIL TO:
• Include psychological recovery as part of its disaster response, recovery and rebuilding programs, including appropriate mental health response programs that address the needs of women and children following a disaster;
• Adequately fund mental health and well-being services to meet short and long-term additional needs in communities, especially for women and children, following major disasters;
• Provide priority access to health care, including mental health care, to women and children, especially those in the lowest income levels, following major disasters;
• Collaborate with NGOs on the establishment of social support mechanisms to the survivors, emergency workers and volunteers, during disaster recovery.
—
Source: International Council of Women (ICW-CIF) — 35th General Assembly, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, September 13-18, 2018. Resolution No. 4.
