General News
27 July, 2023
Flood recovery session to support local women
Women across the Central Goldfields will be able to share their experience of the 2022 floods as part of an initiative by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM). The Loddon Mallee based organisation, WHLM, is organising a community event in...
Women across the Central Goldfields will be able to share their experience of the 2022 floods as part of an initiative by Women’s Health Loddon Mallee (WHLM).
The Loddon Mallee based organisation, WHLM, is organising a community event in Carisbrook next month to give women from flood impacted regions the opportunity to reflect on the challenges they faced and the support they received last October, when parts of Victoria were left inundated by severe flooding.
By raising awareness of women’s needs in disaster planning and response, WHLM can more effectively advocate for those needs, according to the organisation’s CEO Tricia Currie.
“We recognise the unique challenges and strengths that women in rural and regional communities hold when it comes to living with increased risk of flooding and other natural disasters, like droughts, bushfires, and pandemics,” she said.
“It is important that we capture these experiences and perspectives, so we can better meet community needs during local disasters and emergency response.
“This is an exciting opportunity for women in Maryborough, Carisbrook, and surrounding areas to take part in shaping the future of disaster and relief planning through conversation and reflection in a safe and supported space.”
Ms Currie said that it was important to highlight women’s experiences because while natural disasters such as floods and fires are gender neutral, their impacts are not.
“Men and women, boys and girls are affected differently from disaster, even if they live in the same household. The better we understand what drives the differentiated outcomes of disaster impacts for different populations, the better policies and interventions can be tailored to strengthen resilience for all,” she said.
“During times of disaster some men may assert more dominance and control over their partners and children, increasing the risk that they will perpetrate violence against women and girls. Increases in gender-based violence in the aftermath of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic have been well-documented globally.
“Meanwhile, the demands on women — caring for children and the elderly, looking out for community members, volunteering, and increased workloads — are excessive and increase the stress on individuals, families, and communities.”
The event will consist of an informal shared group craft session, followed by a focus group discussion.
Hosted at the Carisbrook Senior Citizens Club on Urquhart Street, the program will run from 11 am to 2 pm on Tuesday, August 8.
It is open to all Central Goldfields women — cis women, trans, non-binary and gender diverse people — aged 18 and above.
All participants will be paid for their time and with limited positions, registration is essential.
For more information about the event or to register visit events.humanitix.com/empowering-flood-recovery-in-centralgoldfields