Governance and Social Development Resource Centre

Transforming Disaster Risk Management: A Political Economy Approach

Author: Emily Wilkinson (2012)
Size: 8 pages (97kB)

This paper examines recent work by disaster researchers on the complex role of institutional arrangements in shaping policy decisions. It identifies incentive structures, information gaps and intra-governmental relations as key factors affecting the decisions of national and local authorities. It recommends more interdisciplinary research on political processes and policy change to develop a clearer theoretical focus for Disaster Risk Management, so as to help promote the necessary institutional transformation.

What Makes Domestic Violence Legislation More Effective?

Author: Cecilia Sardenberg (2011)
Size: 18 pages (1.39KB )

This paper draws on lessons from Brazil's Maria da Penha legislation, passed in 2006, and from Bangladesh and Ghana. It argues that women's organising is vital not only to get laws passed, but also in monitoring their implementation and holding governments to account. The effectiveness of domestic violence legislation depends on: the monitoring of policies by civil society organisations, appropriate training for all service providers, cross-agency coordination, public support, and adequate budgets at all levels of government.