Links between disasters of natural origin, economic development and gender inequality: evidence for latin America and the Caribbean

Abstract This paper explores the relationship between gender and disasters of natural origin (ND) by considering how the level of economic growth influences the losses caused by these events and how disasters also contribute to gender inequality. To this end, the effects of ND occurring during the 2000–2021 period in 20 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean are analysed using a structural equation approach with fixed effects panel data (SEM-FE) as an analytical tool. The results obtained are in line with previous literature that identifies population growth and economic growth as variables that drive the increase in loss of human life from NDs. The results show evidence of the mitigating effects of gender equality on the impact of NDs measured in terms of human life and of the negative effects of the impact of NDs on gender equality. The findings reinforce gender equality as a key element in preventing disasters and rebuilding a sustainable environment in their aftermath.