Flooding and Inequality: Protecting the Most Vulnerable
Indonesia faces a growing challenge: the increasing threat of urban flooding due to climate change and rapid urbanization. Recognizing that floods disproportionately impact vulnerable groups, especially women and low-income communities, the latest report from the FINCAPES project—supported by the University of Waterloo—explores how to integrate Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Inclusion (GESEI) into social protection measures.
What is Social Protection and Why Does it Matter?
Social protection encompasses policies and instruments designed to provide income support and access to essential goods and services, acting as a safety net during times of hardship. In the context of urban flooding, gender-responsive social protection systems are crucial to ensuring that those most affected receive adequate support.
Understanding the Unequal Impacts of Flooding
The report highlights how societal gender norms, economic disparities, and limited access to resources make women and low-income households particularly susceptible to the impacts of floods. It also addresses the heightened risk of gender-based violence, health crises, and educational disruptions that flooding can cause.
Collaborative Research and Policy Guidance
This research is part of the broader efforts of the FINCAPES project, a collaboration between the University of Waterloo, IPB University, and other key institutions. By combining expertise in climate resilience, social equity, and disaster risk management, this study provides valuable insights into how Indonesia can strengthen its social protection frameworks.
The report presents practical examples of programs that effectively address GESEI concerns in urban flood contexts. These include the Benazir Income Support Program in Pakistan, the Comoros Social Safety Net Project, and the Extreme Heat Income Insurance in India—each demonstrating innovative ways to build resilience to climate-related shocks.
Additionally, the report offers a comprehensive checklist for designing gender-transformative and responsive social protection programs. This framework emphasizes human rights, addresses gender disparities, and outlines concrete steps to enhance inclusion in disaster response strategies.
Why This Matters for Indonesia
Tailored to Indonesia’s unique socio-economic and environmental context, the report provides insights that can directly inform policy and program development. It underscores the importance of integrating gender equality into flood preparedness and response, ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the necessary resources to recover and rebuild. It also highlights long-term strategies for strengthening community resilience, with global examples that could be adapted to Indonesia’s needs.
Access the Full Report
To explore this critical issue in depth, download the full report: "Integrating Gender Equality and Socio-Economic Inclusion into Social Protection for Urban Flooding."