The authors apply the Women, Peace, and Security framework to a fictional scenario of a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake disaster response in Canada, which shows how natural disasters are experienced inequitably by different demographic groups. The authors explore a broader approach to the inclusion of gender considerations in disaster operations, particularly one that incorporates intersectionality by considering other key minority groups.

Applying Women, Peace, and Security Considerations to Cross-Border Disaster Response

British Columbia Earthquake Case Study

Joslyn Fleming, Irina A. Chindea, Victoria M. Smith, Nathan Thompson

ResearchPublished Nov 21, 2024

U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) asked RAND to develop two case studies that demonstrate, for training purposes, the application of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) framework in the USNORTHCOM area of responsibility. The two cases present scenarios that are expected to take place in complex environments, which require cross-border coordination with Canada and Mexico, and to further security cooperation activities with these two U.S. neighbors. This document focuses on the Canada case and is the first of two reports that address USNORTHCOM's request.

To explore the application of WPS principles, the case study explored in this report uses a fictional scenario of a Cascadia subduction zone earthquake disaster response in Vancouver, British Columbia. The impacts of natural disasters are experienced inequitably among a society's different demographic groups. Although there is a recognized need to address gender inequities in disaster response, much of the existing literature focuses on responses in developing countries. A broader approach to the inclusion of gender considerations in disaster operations is recommended, particularly one that incorporates intersectionality by considering other key minority groups, such as Canada's First Nations population.

Key Findings

Disaster response has various gender dimensions

  • Disaster impacts are not felt evenly across a society: Understanding how gender interacts with an individual's or household's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a disaster enables a more holistic approach to disaster response.
  • Although the literature concerning gender analysis and disaster response is robust, it focuses on developing countries, which leaves gender considerations of disaster response in developed countries, such as Canada, underexplored.
  • A primary gap in identifying gender-specific impacts and needs during a disaster response is the lack of gender-differentiated data. The collection and analysis of sex, age, and disability disaggregated data (SADDD) can enable more-equitable disaster response efforts.
  • Understanding how other socioeconomic factors and demographic considerations intersect with gender is important for any gender analysis. Recent disaster responses in Canada have highlighted the importance of considering First Nations sensitivities.

The study revealed findings specific to the British Columbia earthquake case study

  • The high likelihood of a major earthquake and the risk of significant damage to the population and critical infrastructure make a Canadian subduction zone earthquake a useful case study for Canada-U.S. disaster response planning because it presents a complex environment requiring coordination across borders.
  • When conducting foreign disaster response, the most-likely missions of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) include search and rescue, logistics, transportation, and medical response. All these activities provide an opportunity for DoD personnel to apply a gender lens and consider WPS and intersectionality when planning and executing missions.

Recommendations

  • DoD organizations participating in disaster response operations should conduct operational gender analyses as part of the intelligence process during the mission-planning phase for disaster response.
  • DoD organizations should standardize the collection and analysis of SADDD and ensure that personnel are trained to the appropriate standard.
  • Organizations participating in disaster relief should engage programs and groups that represent underserved demographic groups during crisis action planning.
  • Organizations participating in disaster relief should understand the gender makeup of the response force, particularly for such critical specialties as military medical providers, and identify barriers that might impede gender balance in deployment.
  • Military personnel responding to natural disasters should be trained in how to respond to difficult situations in which gender dynamics might be at play, such as instances of gender-based violence.
  • DoD organizations should assess strategic communications from a gender perspective to ensure narratives do not perpetuate stereotypes.

Topics

Document Details

Citation

RAND Style Manual

Fleming, Joslyn, Irina A. Chindea, Victoria M. Smith, and Nathan Thompson, Applying Women, Peace, and Security Considerations to Cross-Border Disaster Response: British Columbia Earthquake Case Study, RAND Corporation, RR-A1944-1, 2024. As of April 30, 2025: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1944-1.html

Chicago Manual of Style

Fleming, Joslyn, Irina A. Chindea, Victoria M. Smith, and Nathan Thompson, Applying Women, Peace, and Security Considerations to Cross-Border Disaster Response: British Columbia Earthquake Case Study. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2024. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA1944-1.html.
BibTeX RIS

Research conducted by

This research was sponsored by U.S. Northern Command and conducted within the International Security and Defense Policy Program of the RAND National Security Research Division (NSRD).

This publication is part of the RAND research report series. Research reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND research reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.