Women’s Labor Force Participation After Disasters: The Case of Nurdağı, Türkiye, Following Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes

Abstract

Economic functionality is essential for the recovery of cities and communities following disasters. A crucial factor in reducing business disruptions and guaranteeing their continuity is the capacity of employees to resume work. Facilitating the reintegration of employees into the workforce can expedite their post-disaster recovery process and assist the impacted communities in their recuperation. Nevertheless, when women encounter numerous challenges in returning to the workforce, the share of women's employment declines. This study aims to elucidate the challenges and expectations of women living in the region directly impacted by the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş earthquakes regarding their participation in the post-disaster job market. Nurdağı town in Gaziantep province, where the impacts of the February 6th earthquakes are evident, was selected as the case study. One year later, a survey was administered to 375 women living in a Nurdağı container city. The study explores earthquake damages and losses to their homes and workplaces, their migration status post-disaster, the challenges faced in labor market participation, and their expectations for employment. The responses clarify specific barriers to women's labor force participation in the first year following the earthquakes and the type of programs that could help overcome the difficulties faced. While state-sponsored temporary work programs facilitate women's employment in the short run, these jobs may not align with skills and prior work experience and do not address the longer-term needs for women seeking stable, permanent income-generating positions. Amid extensive destruction, the establishment of a secure living environment had become the most basic need, while gender-specific supports are also important in restoring women's labor force participation, including psychological treatment options, programs to assist with the care of children and other dependents, and vocational development. The study highlights considerations when providing support for both employees and recovering businesses after a disaster.