project Exploring the role of gender and religion in shaping children’s participation in disaster risk reduction in Indonesia
theme: gender
This project explores the role that gender and religion play in children’s participation in disaster risk reduction programmes and how gender and religion shape their ability to communicate risk.
project particulars
co-ordinator: Katy Oswald, IDS
partners: Institute of Development Studies, Risk Frontiers, RMIT, Plan Indonesia
researchers: Kat Haynes, Briony Towers (RMIT), Jonatan Lassa (University of Bonn)
duration: October 2008 - Early 2009
funders: Plan UK
countries: Indonesia
overview
This research project builds on work being carried out under the Risk Communication theme. It is investigating the extent to which children's ability to participate in disaster risk reduction programmes and communicate risk is influenced by their gender and religion.
Field research took place in two villages in Sikka, a predominantly Catholic area on the Island of Flores and two villages in Rembang, a predominantly Muslim area in Eastern Java, Indonesia in October 2008.
Action research methods were used in workshops with adults and children (separate and mixed groups). Children produced photo diaries of their involvement in the research.
Research questions include:
Are there fundamental differences between how adults and children value risk?
What is the relative impact of a child's gender and their religious and cultural setting on their voice within the community and within wider policy spaces?
key findings
Preliminary findings show a clear gender bias present in both the Catholic and Muslim areas, with almost all participants stating that male children have more ability and power to bring about risk reduction. No obvious differences in terms of religion were apparent.
Data is currently being analysed and a working paper will be published and available here in early 2009.
