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Positive Masculinity and Disaster Preparedness in Pakistani Urban 
Communities 

Iqra Waheed Malik and Nadia Bukhtawer 

Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan 

Abstract 

This qualitative study explores the intersection of positive masculinity and disaster 
preparedness in Pakistani urban communities. Through focus group discussions with 24 
men aged 19 and above from Rawalpindi and Peshawar, the research highlights the 
transformative potential of positive masculinities in enhancing community resilience. The 
findings reveal that men in Pakistan have both traditional and positive perception of 
masculinity. Men with positive masculine traits, such as emotionality, responsibility, and 
perceiving women as allies are advocating for change. They can facilitate women's active 
participation in disaster preparedness efforts. These men emerge as pivotal agents in 
creating a conducive environment for collaboration, communication, and collective action 
in disaster mitigation and response. The study underscores the need to redefine 
traditional gender roles and promote gender-sensitive approaches that recognize and 
harness the strengths of both men and women in disaster risk reduction efforts within 
Pakistani urban contexts. It fosters inclusive and resilient communities in the face of 
disasters. 

Keywords: Positive masculinity, disaster preparedness, gender roles, urban communities 

Introduction and Background 

Disasters, whether natural or man-made, pose a significant threat to nations across the 
globe. Pakistan is vulnerable to various types of disasters, including floods, earthquakes, 
and droughts, which have caused widespread damage and loss. Effective disaster 
preparedness is crucial for mitigating the impact of these events, particularly in urban 
areas like Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar, which are prone to earthquakes, fires, 
and flooding (National Disaster Management Authority [NDMA], 2022; Ansari et al., 2019; 
Qasim et al., 2016; Siddique & Akhtar, 2020). These urban areas are particularly more 
vulnerable as they are thickly populated, hub of economic activities and home to poor 
people (Rana & Routray, 2018).  

Disasters are much gendered in nature and thus the preparedness for disasters should 
be gender inclusive. The literature on gender and disasters emphasizes the contrast in 
how men and women plan for, handle, and recover from disasters. Studies reveal that the 
way men and women perceive hazard and react to alerts about forthcoming catastrophes 
is different. Men are more inclined than women to want to stay and put out the fire, while 

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women are more likely to seek refuge (Pease, 2014). This variation is influenced by 
gender roles socially constructed within a society. 

Pakistan’s social structure is influenced by the patriarchy and binary gender roles clearly 
divide men and women into specific roles. Similarly, masculinity and femininity are seen 
as opposite poles of a continuum (Ahmed et al., 2021). The concept of masculinity is 
diverse and multidimensional, impacted by a range of elements such as personal 
experiences, familial context, and cultural standards (Levant, 2007; Jabeen, 2018; Sinn, 
1997). Connell (1995) defines masculinity as social construct which comprises of all the 
norms, behaviors and expectations which are attached with being a man in any society. 
In Pakistani society, men are expected to be strong, able to protect their family particularly 
women and unemotional in their demeanor (Ullah & Chaudhry, 2021).  Adhering to these 
traditional traits of masculinity encourages men to behave in a certain way and it has 
significance for disaster preparedness. For instance, studies show that men in Pakistan 
use negative coping strategies including aggression, addiction and other harmful behavior 
when they are in stressful situations. Cases of domestic violence rise during disasters 
and crisis. (Chaudhry & Amis, 2021; Soomar et al., 2023). Additionally, it may put 
pressure on men to be protectors during disasters and it may challenge their ability to 
learn new disaster preparedness skills which increase the community’s resilience.  

Researchers have highlighted the need to challenge these traditional ideas of masculinity 
and promote positive masculinity approach to address these challenges particularly in the 
context of disaster management. This can be achieved through mass awareness 
campaigns on gender sensitization, empowerment and promoting men with positive 
masculine identities (Aurat Foundation, 2018). Michael Flood highlights the dual role of 
men as a hegemonic group increasing inequality and a catalyst for empowerment by 
being allies.   He emphasized that excluding men from women gender mainstreaming 
activities may lead them to become more toxic in their masculine roles and creates a 
pressure on women alone to promote gender equality. In contrast, he advocates to 
consider men as agents of change so that they feel responsibility to work gender equality 
He has identified three main areas in which he advocates male engagement. First is the 
need to collaborate with men in the roles of decision makers and providers. Secondly, 
involve men in development agendas using gender sensitive framework. Finally work on 
men and their vulnerabilities. In this regard, major focus has been in the context of GBV 
and health. However few researches have highlighted their role in disaster context as 
well. They have discussed that when men are engaged in activities for enhancing disaster 
preparedness, they become allies of women and act as catalyst to increase women 
participation. Thus, communities become more resilient with positive masculinity (Mustafa 
et al., 2015; Dunn, 2016).  

The main objective of this study focused on exploring the role of positive masculinity in 
promoting disaster preparedness among communities of selected urban areas in 
Pakistan. The research question inquires how do men with positive masculine traits 

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perceive their role in disaster preparedness and to what extent do they collaborate or 
facilitate women’s role? 

Theoretical Framework 

For the current research, Connell’s theory of masculinities is selected as a theoretical 
framework as this theory has major implications for disaster management. Connell 
published his theory of multiple masculinities in 1995 which posits that masculinity is a 
socially constructed schema moulded by sociocultural norms of a society (Connell, 1995). 
He explains that masculinity is not a singular concept but constructed over a continuum 
of traits close or far from cultural ideals. On one hand he defines hegemonic masculinity 
which is dominant in patriarchal cultures, characterising men as assertive, authoritarian, 
heterosexual, and brave. Boys and men are deemed manly based on how well they 
conform to this normative idea. Connell's (2000) categorization of subjugated and 
marginalised masculinities is also helpful in comprehending the connection between 
gender and how it intersects with other stratum elements like sexual orientation, class, 
and race. Connell (2000) employs these ideas to show how hierarchy and exclusion 
characterise the multiplicity of masculinities. Therefore, critical masculinity studies which 
view masculinity as interpersonal, socially constructed, enacted, and institutionally 
embedded have a great deal to offer critical social work perspectives on men and women 
in disasters as well as to gender and disaster studies more broadly. 

Figure 1 
                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Figure 1 represents theory of Critical positive masculinity in the context of disasters. 
 

Connell assumes that men are able to constructively resist or redefine traditional 
hegemonic norms and create more positive or inclusive masculinities that are more 
conducive to health and wellbeing. Thus, he advocates a new perspective in gender 
studies ‘Critical positive Masculinity’ exploring the complex potential for positive change 
in men.  This theory can be very crucial in the context of disaster response and 
preparedness as it will aid in comprehending the role of masculine traits in shaping men’s 
behaviors during disaster response and recovery. We have already discussed the need 
for gender sensitive disaster management strategies. Without taking into account men as 
well as women, these efforts cannot be fruitful. 

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Methodology 

Research Design 

With a qualitative research approach, the study was designed using focus group 
discussions (FGDs) as our selected method, a commonly used technique involving an in-
depth discussion on a given topic. The group is generally between 6 to maximum 12 
persons. The main advantage of this method is that it can yield rich information by giving 
opportunity to the participants to engage in meaningful discussion (Krueger & Casey, 
2014).  

Sample and Data Collection 

The FGDs were conducted with a total of 24 men aged 19-50 years, recruited from the 
urban cities of Rawalpindi and Peshawar, Pakistan. The steps of FGD included planning, 
facilitation, documentation and content analysis and data collection was carried out in the 
following steps: Planning phase: The research objectives were clearly defined, and a 
semi-structured FGD question guide was developed to facilitate the discussions. 20 
Potential participants were identified through purposive sampling and contacted to seek 
their consent belonging to Peshawer and Rawalpindi. 17 responded positively and 12 
each were finalized from both cities based on availability. 

Facilitation phase: Two FGDs were conducted, one in each city, from March 2024 to April 
2024. Each lasting between 1 hour 45 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. A moderator guided 
the discussions, using probes to encourage participation from all attendees, while 
maintaining a neutral stance. Audio recordings were made with the consent of the 
participants. The moderator initiated each FGD with brief introduction and posed each 
question one by one. She used probes and involved all participants in the conversation 
without expressing any value to their answers to keep it neutral. At the end of each 
discussion, participants were thanked for their time. They were provided tea and snacks. 
No summary was provided at the end as this is a recommended method for conducted 
FGD (Rice & Ezzy, 1999; Anderson 1990). 

Documentation Phase: The audio recordings were transcribed verbatim by a note-taker 
immediately after each FGD, as recommended by qualitative research experts 
(Anderson, 1990; Rice & Ezzy, 1999). 

Content Analysis Phase: The transcripts were analyzed using a grounded theory-based 
thematic analysis approach. The researchers reviewed the data, identified recurring 
themes and patterns, and developed a coding framework. Verbatim quotes were used to 
support the interpretation of the findings. Verbatim was added with each theme to 
completely link the interpretation with the participants’ own perceptions as recommended 
by Anderson (1990).  Findings are discussed in the next section. 

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Results 

Table 1 

Demographic profile of men who participated in FGDs (N=24)  

Characteristic        Category         frequency 
Age  19 to 24 years 

25 to 30 years 
31 to 39 years 
40 to 49 years 
50 and above 

5 
5 
2 

         5 
7 

Education  Informal Education/ Primary 
school 

                        Matric 
Intermediate 

Undergraduate 
Post graduate 

10 
5 
4 
4 
1 

City Peshawar 
         Rawalpindi 

12 
        12 

Native Language   Urdu 
Punjabi 
Pashto 

Kashmiri  

3 
 10 

9 
2 

Marital Status Married 
Single 

14 
 10 
Employment status  Employed  13 
 Unemployed 11 

 

The demographic characteristics of our participants are presented above which indicate 
the diversity of the participants included in the discussion to get many viewpoints and 
representation of the population of both cities. Based on the data analysis, Two over 
arching themes were identified:  

I. Traditional Masculine Identity and Responsibility 
II. Men, Women and Disaster Preparedness 

These themes which included subsequent subthemes are discussed below with 
illustrative quotes from the participants. 

Theme 1: Traditional Versus Positive Masculine Identity  

This emerged as a major theme in our discussion around disaster preparedness. All of 
the participants were highly aware of their traditional masculine identity and most of them 

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recognized the pressure of responsibilities which are associated with it. They expressed 
that being a man is their foremost identity which influences their behaviors in every aspect 
of their lives. Further sub-themes were identified pertaining to the masculine identity. 

Man as Protector and Provider:  

This sub theme was expressed by all of the men above 40 who participated in the 
discussion that they identify the role of men as protectors and providers of their families. 
They believed that to help, provide and protect their family is what a real man must do.  
They didnot see any other way to be real men and have to be strong at all times. 
According to one participant: 

Man is foundation of house. If the base is weak then house will fall into pieces (53, 
Peshawar, FGD 1). 

These findings are consistent with the existing literature as Ullah and Chaudry (2021) 
have explained that traditional ideals of masculinity are hegemonic and men tend to 
perceive ideal manhood as being strong and identify with breadwinner role.  

On the other hand, younger participants had a different opinion. They recognized that 
traditional role is not their ideal manhood, they can say no to being protector but in cultural 
norms, there is no option to say no to the provider role. Many of them believe women 
should contribute equally to this role. They also feel it causes stress and pressure to be 
strong and supportive for their family and is too much to ask. As one participant 
expressed: 

We men are expected and perceived to be strong and heroic, which creates 
unrealistic expectations and pressure to take unnecessary risks. Women are 
strong too. They don’t need to be dependent on us, they can share our burden. 
(28, Rawalpindi, FGD 1) 

This shows that alternative perceptions of masculine identity exist and not all men are 
falling for hegemonic masculine identity. This is what Connell (2000) has explained in his 
theory on masculinities are they are negotiated in different ways in a society. 

Strength Versus Vulnerability 

This theme was reported by older men above 30 years. They highlighted that masculinity 
includes traits of strength and courage. Men should be brave and face any challenge 
boldly. Since a man is expected to earn and protect their family, if he is not strong enough 
to perform roles or responsibilities he won’t be respected. They also talked about taking 
risks for family and community. One participant said: 

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Man is like wall who can face any challenge. He becomes a shield for his children. 
(60, Rawalpindi, FGD2). 

Young age men below 30 years reported and shared different insights about masculinity. 
They have flexibility in attitude about roles if men of this community. According to them 
men can also express that they have emotions and feelings. It is okay for a man to be 
afraid sometimes and they don’t have to face all the risks. They can also panic in crisis 
situations. They mentioned that mental and emotional wellbeing of men is neglected in 
disaster situations and even physical injuries are taken for granted as compared to 
women. As one participant said: 

It is not in every case for men to be strong enough. I have a fear of blood and I 
can’t help an injured person if they are bleeding. It doesn’t mean I am not a man. 
A man can have fears too. (24, Peshawer, FGD 1). 

These findings are supported by literature that more mental health problems are prevalent 
in men post disaster as their emotional needs are neglected. They suffer more from 
anxiety, depression or stress as compared to women (Rao, 2006). 

Theme 2: Men, Women and Disaster Preparedness 

Men in the two FDGs were very well aware of disaster and its mitigation plans related to 
common disasters in respective cities. They expressed mixed opinions about including 
women as helping hand in disaster rescue and preparedness procedures. Most of them 
identified feminine role of women with household, domestic chores and caretaking of 
children or elderly in their families. In regard to their collaboration in disaster 
preparedness, mixed reviews were found. They are discussed in following sub themes 
emerged: 

Women as allies 

Under this subtheme, young men above 30 expressed that including women in disaster 
preparedness and post disaster activities is vital for swift outcomes and less 
vulnerabilities. Young men think that women can also help and support in crisis situations 
and as they are the one who know household matters much better than men. They can 
be more valuable partners in terms of decision making and finding helping way out in 
community settings. They mentioned that women bring unique perspectives that can 
greatly contribute to more comprehensive disaster preparedness and response and 
women should be better included in disaster trainings for measures and rescue so that 
we can reduce the casualties. According to one participant: 

My sister is better than me at handling crisis. By valuing and integrating women's 
perspectives, we can foster a more inclusive and resilient community that works 

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together to mitigate risks and support each other during crises (20, Rawalpindi, 
FGD 1). 

Women as supporters 

The men above 30 reported on this sub theme. They viewed women more as supporters 
and followers rather than leaders in disaster related activities. Their traditional gender 
roles and perception influenced their attitudes towards women. They do recognize that 
norms are changing in contemporary Pakistani society. As one participant expressed: 

In our days women rarely went out. So, they cannot handle crisis. But yes, they 
can help men in dealing with crisis by providing support. Nowadays things are 
different. (55, Peshawer, FGD2). 

Collaboration and Support between genders 

Majority of the men advocate trainings for women for disaster situation and show 
willingness to support them for this purpose. As women are more involved in household 
and care work, they know better how to handle children and elders in disasters and are 
also very much familiar with the house infrastructure for safety and rescue purpose. Men 
point out that men's position in society can be used as functional and eliminating power 
imbalance rather than obstacle for each of them; men and women. Men acknowledge 
women have certain capacities especially in child and elderly care to enhance disaster 
preparedness and response capabilities. 

In our community, everyone needs to be prepared to handle emergencies, 
regardless of gender. I think all brothers and fathers should encourage their sisters 
and daughters to become well trained (40, Rawalpindi, FGD 1). 

This finds support in previous studies. Many men who are educated in Pakistan empower 
their female members of the family to get education, careers etc. (Malik & Courtney, 
2011). 

Advocating for Change 

This subtheme highlights men advocating for policy changes that promote inclusivity and 
gender equality in disaster preparedness. They are of the view that these efforts can help 
the females of their community and families in future.  This includes just and fair policies 
for disaster preparedness and post disaster allocation of resources. They recognize the 
importance of diverse perspectives and experiences, moreover they call for better 
planning and effective community resilience training for women and men. Both need 
better and professional trainings including First Aid, rescue training and disaster 
awareness. One participant of the study explained:  

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Changes need to be made in existing plan of action for disasters. Community 
leaders and organizations can better support women in disaster resilience by 
creating inclusive policies and programs that prioritize women's voices and needs 
(41, Peshawar, FGD 2). 

Literature highlights that gender needs have been recognized in the context of disaster 
management. Many efforts for gender mainstreaming in the society are already underway 
by different stakeholders including government, NGOs and civil society. Studies have 
critically evaluated policies for their gender blindness and demanded reforms which 
include disaster management (Aurat Foundation, 2018; Ullah & Chaudhry, 2021). 

Conclusion 

This study provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between masculinity 
and disaster preparedness in Pakistani urban communities. The focus group discussions 
revealed two key themes. Older men expressed a strong attachment to traditional 
masculinity, viewing men as protectors and providers. However, younger participants 
advocated for a more flexible approach that allows men to express vulnerability and 
collaborate with women. Participants acknowledged the importance of involving women, 
with younger men seeing them as valuable allies. While older men tended to view women 
in traditional supportive roles, the majority expressed willingness to support women's 
inclusion in disaster preparedness. These findings highlight the need to redefine gender 
norms and promote positive masculinity emphasizing resilience, responsibility, 
compassion, and collaboration. By empowering men to embrace these qualities, and 
actively involving women, communities can foster a more inclusive and resilient approach 
to crisis management. Further research is needed to explore the nuances of this 
relationship in diverse cultural settings and to develop evidence-based strategies for 
promoting gender-inclusive disaster risk reduction and response. 

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Author Notes 

Iqra Waheed, an MPhil graduate in Gender Studies from Fatima Jinnah Women 
University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Her academic research focused on disaster 
preparedness, intersectionality, and the vulnerabilities faced by women in urban areas of 
Pakistan. With a strong background in gender advocacy, research, and project 
management, she has worked with organizations such as UN Women, OXFAM, and 
SSDO on initiatives related to gender equity, climate action, and community health. Her 
experience includes conducting field research, designing awareness campaigns, and 
leading workshops on topics such as girls' education in Balochistan, gender safety, and 
the care economy. She is passionate about promoting social equity and empowering 
marginalized communities through evidence-based advocacy and interdisciplinary 
approaches. Her work has been published in the Journal of Positive School Psychology, 
and she continues to contribute to projects that advance gender equality and social justice 
in Pakistan and beyond. 

Nadia Bukhtawer is an experienced lecturer in the Department of Gender Studies at 
Fatima Jinnah Women University, a seasoned researcher and a practicing psychologist, 
currently pursuing her PhD in Sociology. She holds an MPhil in International Development 
Studies and a Master's in Clinical Psychology. Her research focuses on psychosocial 

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issues affecting adolescents, women's health, and gender dynamics, employing an 
interdisciplinary approach to address complex societal challenges including climate 
change. Recognized for her exceptional public speaking skills, she has presented critical 
gender issues at both national and international forums, establishing herself as a leading 
voice in gender studies. Through her work and  dedication to academia and community 
engagement, Nadia aims to create impactful change, enhancing the visibility and 
participation of women in socio-economic development. 

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