Gender and Changes in Tsunami-Affected Villages in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province

In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Province and NiasIsland in December 2004, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) provided immediate assistance to theaffected populations, with gender concerns mainstreamed as part of its interventions. This assessment, targeting internally displaced people (IDPs), was designed to give a multi-sectoral perspective on the nature and quality of the relief effort. It discusses the consequences of these major changes for the lives of IDP, in terms of cultural values, social roles, access to resources, decision-making, and security. It looks especially at their impact on the most vulnerable groups,women and children, though it also considers the impact on men. The concluding part of the report lists a set of key recommendations, which call for interventions in the various sectors outlined above. These interventions will provide the means to improve the well-being of all survivors, if we can maintain the technical and political commitment to taking action. The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Oxfam GB, UNFPA, or WSC.