Tsubokura-sensei’s Radiation Classroom #559:Driving Change by Incorporating Women’s Voices

Masaharu Tsubokura, M.D., Ph.D.

Chief Professor, Department of Radiation Health Management,

School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University

Following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company, the way evacuation shelters are organized has undergone significant review. During this process, many accounts of the inconveniences and anxieties experienced by women were recorded, serving as a catalyst to rethink how shelters should operate. In response to these challenges, national guidelines and municipal management policies have been systematically organized.

In the 2016 revision of the Basic Disaster Management Plan, it was explicitly stated that evacuation shelter operations must incorporate the perspectives of both men and women. This included specific measures such as nursing rooms, changing areas, women-only spaces, and enhanced security patrols. Post-disaster surveys revealed that approximately half of women felt that privacy was not sufficiently ensured, with many experiencing significant burdens related to getting changed, breastfeeding, and moving around at night.

Efforts by local governments are also progressing. According to a 2022 Cabinet Office survey, the percentage of municipalities incorporating specific facilities into their evacuation plans was approximately 34% for nursing rooms, 36% for women-only spaces, and 41% for changing areas. The fact that these necessary considerations have been clearly defined as institutional requirements represents a major shift.

On the other hand, some challenges remain difficult to solve through infrastructure alone. Regional surveys show that around 40% of women had trouble finding a place to change, and about 30% felt anxious about going to the restroom at night, indicating significant regional disparities in the quality of shelter environments.

Evacuation centers are places where many people live together. Creating an environment where women and children can feel secure is directly linked to the quality of life during evacuation. Along with improvements in physical facilities, greater community understanding and awareness will help transform evacuation centers into more comfortable places for everyone.