Gender and Risk - Confirmed Speakers
Gendering Risk and Risk Management
16 May 2012 – 6pm to 8pm, Pyramid Room, Dept of Geography, King’s College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS
The aim of this seminar is to ignite debate on the broader subject of the impact of gender on risk studies. Despite assumptions to the contrary, risk perception in relation to natural disasters is varied and highlights some interesting ways risk communication can be adapted to ensure that gender is actively considered when creating emergency plans etc. There is a lack of gendered focus emergency planners and government currently give to flood risk reduction. This event will look primarily at disaster risk reduction techniques, risk communication strategies and emergency management from a gendered perspective.
The seminar will be chaired by Dr Kate Maclean, King’s College London, who will also act as discussant. The speakers are:
Dr Maureen Fordham, Enterprise Fellow Principal Lecturer in Disaster Management, Northumbria University
After receiving my PhD in 1992, I remained at Middlesex University Flood Hazard Research Centre where I became the Centre Manager. In 1995 I went to Anglia Ruskin University where my last post was as Head of Geography. I have 20 years experience of delivering training on various aspects of disaster and environmental management. I am committed to disseminating research-based knowledge to wider audiences and as part of that role I have designed and manage a number of websites. I am a founder member (1997) and coordinator of the Gender and Disaster Network (www.gdnonline.org). I am the co-founder and co-editor (with Ben Wisner) of the disaster website Radix – Radical Interpretations of Disaster (www.radixonline.org), which was stimulated by concerns following the 2001 earthquakes in El Salvador and Gujarat.
Andrew Pearlman, Specialist, Disaster Risk Reduction seeking work within DRM, Climate Change and Programme Management in Africa and Asia
I am a Specialist in International Project Management for Disaster Risk Management, Resilience and Climate Adaptation. Having worked in multiple contexts I have a comprehensive understanding of preparedness and resilience issues within the humanitarian sector and extensive programme management and field experience working with national government, the UN and INGOs. My work has also covered livelihoods, strategy development, training and youth engagement.
My focus has always been on those who have been most marginalised and neglected within development and humanitarian contexts and I believe passionately in a participatory approaches and the importance of humanitarian accountability.
Kevin Blanchard, Environmental Policy Advisor
I am currently working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change on the emissions trading system currently being implemented by the European Union. My dissertation on flooding, risk perception and gender carried out for my Masters in Environment, Politics and Globalisation at King’s College London has acted as a catalyst for me developing this series of seminars.
