Being a woman in disasters; The example of Kahramanmaraş earthquake

Disasters, which have a history as old as human history, deeply affect people economically, socially and psychologically with the serious loss of life and property they cause. Studies show that this effect is different for each individual. In this context, it is seen that women, who are in a disadvantaged position in society, are more affected by disaster periods. Studies conducted on this subject and published national and international reports show that gender-based discrimination and violence against women increase during disaster periods. Disaster periods are important in terms of revealing the social and gender inequalities of women's increasing responsibilities both during and after the disaster. In the study, the earthquake that occurred in the Pazarcık district of Kahramanmaraş province on February 6, 2023 and affected 11 provinces is evaluated in terms of domestic relations and violence against women. Research data were obtained by examining the relevant documents/records/official records, relevant literature and reports. In the field research section of the study, data were obtained using the semi-structured interview technique, which is one of the qualitative research methods. The universe of this research consists of 20 earthquake victim women between the ages of 18-60, who experienced and were affected by the earthquake in Kahramanmaraş province, with different education levels and socio-economic structures. Five questions prepared by the researcher were asked to all women in order to provide research data. Additional questions were asked to women depending on the answers given in the interviews conducted with the women. The findings obtained after these interviews are included in the field research section of our study. In our study, the difficulties experienced by the earthquake victims, the negativities they were exposed to, their experiences of overcoming these and how they managed the process were discussed in detail from a women's perspective. As a result of the research conducted; it was concluded that women who are exposed to gender inequalities in ordinary situations are more affected by natural disasters such as earthquakes and that violence against women has increased.