Gender-based evaluation of economic, social, and physical challenges in timely post-hurricane recovery

A gender-based analysis of challenges for an effective and timely recovery from a disaster is necessary for efficiently responding to each gender's needs. In this study, 25 challenges that delay post-hurricane recovery were identified from the literature, ranked, and compared, based on female and male perspectives. A survey was developed, with questions designed to provide data on the men's and women's perspectives of the challenges. A relative importance index (RII) analysis was used to rank the challenges. Results of the survey showed that the respondents considered 21 of the 25 challenges significant in the post-hurricane recovery process. Females gave priority to the economic category challenges that might threat their families, while the males gave priority to the challenges in the social category. The top-ranked challenge by the females was the average housing value, while the males ranked population density the highest. The results of this study establish a basis for better understanding the differences between female and male insights into the challenges of hurricane recovery and can increase the likelihood of achieving a timely recovery.