Storm of Violence, Surge of Struggle: Women in the Aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, lashed the Philippines on November 8, 2013 affecting more than 10 percent of the country's population. Although exploitation of the environment and unequal distribution of wealth in disaster situations are widely discussed among scholars, activists, humanitarian workers, and public intellectuals, issues pertaining to women and girls must be addressed as important as well. Thus, this paper problematizes the impact of typhoon Haiyan in the lives of women and girl survivors. It sees the effect of this calamity on the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women and girls and how further marginalization of women and girls during disasters increases their vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). Making such an analysis, this paper responds to the call for solidarity among women, which will enable the demand for the fullest attainment of the SRHR needs of women and girls and the elimination of SGBV.