Attachments
INTRODUCTION
This brief, a collaborative effort by the Philippines Gender in Humanitarian Action Community of Practice (GIHA COP), the Asia-Pacific Gender in Humanitarian Action Working Group (AP GIHA WG), and the Asia-Pacific Gender-based Violence in Emergencies Working Group (AP GBViE WG), serves a critical role in integrating gender perspectives into emergency planning and response. It is designed to compile and present vital information, ensuring gender considerations are a basis of such efforts.
The brief includes a pre-crisis context analysis, exploring the unique hazards and risks prevalent in the Philippines. It is crucial to understand the baseline from which emergencies may arise and the potential impact on different gender groups. It also explores the current context, focusing on the population demographics, social dynamics, and specific gender dynamics within the country. This current context analysis is pivotal for recognizing how societal norms and structures might influence the effects of crises on various gender groups.
Additionally, the brief contains information on gender-based violence (GBV) in the Philippines. This includes data on the prevalence, types, and dynamics of GBV, both in everyday scenarios and specifically in crisis situations. Such information is essential for planning effective and sensitive responses to emergencies, particularly in addressing the needs and vulnerabilities of those affected by GBV.
Other relevant quantitative pre-crisis information may also be found through OCHA Philippines’ Common Operational Data Sets.
By proactively collecting and presenting this relevant gender-related information, the brief aims to ensure that responses to crises are informed, equitable, effective, and inclusive. It highlights the importance of considering the specific needs and vulnerabilities of women, men, boys, girls, and gender-diverse people, thereby fostering a more comprehensive and empathetic approach to humanitarian action in the Philippines. This brief will be regularly updated by the Philippines’ Gender in Humanitarian Action Community of Practice (GIHA COP) as more information is made available by relevant sources.
PRE-CRISIS CONTEXT OVERVIEW
Climate and Environment Hazards The Philippines, an archipelago of 7,641 islands, faces some of the highest risks of climaterelated hazards globally. The impact of climate change has led to increased frequency and severity of disasters, including floods, droughts, landslides, mudslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The country experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually, resulting in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
A convergence of political, geographic, and social factors has placed the Philippines at the forefront of climate crisis risk. It is ranked 114th among 181 countries in the 2020 ND-GAIN Index, and the World Risk Index 2022 positions the Philippines as one of the top countries in terms of risk, vulnerability, and exposure to natural disasters.