AAS Call for Proposals

Dear colleagues,

I'm organizing a panel for the AAS 2026 Annual Conference in Vancouver, tentatively titled "Health and Wellbeing of Women and Children in Disasters in Asia: toward a human-rights-based approach" and I'm looking for interested panelists to join.

This panel investigates the gendered impacts of disasters in Asia, with particular attention to the health and wellbeing of women and children in Japan, East and Southeast Asian countries, and the broader Global South. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015–2030), along with several United Nations directives on disaster management, highlights the disproportionate vulnerability of women and children to multi-hazard and cascading risks. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by the so-called "she-cession", exposed and deepened systemic inequalities, worsening pre-existing health, economic, and social vulnerabilities. Against this backdrop, the panel critically examines the practical application of a human rights–based approach to disaster prevention, response, and recovery. Grounded in principles outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), this approach emphasizes inclusive, participatory, and accountable processes aimed at ensuring equitable post-disaster outcomes. Drawing from interdisciplinary perspectives in public health, disaster studies, and the social sciences, panelists will present empirical research and critical analysis that address structural barriers to the recovery and wellbeing of women and children in disaster-affected contexts. By focusing on lived experiences and grounded case studies, this session aims to fill a critical research gap and foster dialogue on rights-based disaster governance. Ultimately, the panel seeks to contribute to the development of transformative, justice-oriented approaches to disaster risk reduction in Asia and beyond.

We welcome contributions that examine these challenges from diverse perspectives, including:

1.     Qualitative studies focused on Japan and other East/ Asian, Asian and Global South countries;

2.     Bottom-up, NGO, NPO, and civil society-led responses that embody a human rights–based approach;

3.     Community-driven disaster response initiatives and programs, also using IT and other digital tools to enhance a human-right approach;

4.     Participatory practices and emerging models that shape equitable disaster responses;

5.     Comparative or cross-country insights, particularly across Asian regions in the Global South.

If you are interested, please email a 200–250 word abstract and tentative paper title to paola.cavaliere@unimi.it by August 3rd (CEST). Scholars at all career stages are welcome.