Women’s Vulnerability During Natural Disasters: A Feminist Perspective on COVID-19’s Impact in Japan

Female vulnerability during disasters is a significant issue, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Japan, as a developed country, exemplifies how women faced increased economic vulnerability and instability during this crisis. The pandemic intensified existing social structures, leading to greater instability and insecurity, with these effects being especially pronounced when viewed through a gendered lens. This article argues that, despite the Japanese government's efforts to mitigate economic instability, the absence of a gender perspective in policy-making perpetuated women’s economic vulnerability, ultimately undermining human security and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Japan.