Psychological intervention with female victims of natural disasters

Abstract

We present the effects of disasters on mental health from a gender perspective, considering that
women are more vulnerable because they are more prone to damage, loss and suffering in the
context of different threats, and generally also have less opportunity to access to material and social
resources. It also evidences how women assume various roles: as a victim, as the organizer of
remedial actions and in the prevention, mitigation and management of disasters. Finally it emphasizes
the need to train and enhance the skills of women in the management of emergency situations
as active agents in the prevention within their homes and communities, protecting mental health.