Factors Shaping Disaster Preparedness of Immigrant Women: Revisiting the Community Engagement Theory

Grounded in the principles of Community Engagement Theory and informed by the gender and development framework, this study explored the factors shaping the disaster preparedness of immigrant women, which shed light on their ability to withstand and recover from disasters. This qualitative case study was conducted in Türkiye, focusing on preparedness for common hazards. Using strategic and snowball sampling, 15 immigrant women from diverse backgrounds in Ankara who were mothers of middle-school-aged children were interviewed. While the data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings underscore the pivotal role of children in disseminating disaster knowledge within households. They also highlight the importance of tailoring disaster preparedness efforts to overcome language barriers and of clear communication. The faith-based coping strategies exhibited by the participants are indicative of the resilience derived from their religious beliefs. This research offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of cultural, societal, and individual factors in disaster preparedness. It calls for targeted interventions to enhance disaster resilience, especially among vulnerable groups. Further investigation into the themes uncovered in this study presents promising avenues for future research in disaster management and mitigation strategies.