This paper discusses gender and its intrinsic links with poverty and vulnerability, in the context of cyclones and floords in Bangladesh. While evidence that the impacts of disasters are worse for women is inconclusive or variable, Cannon argues that since being female is strongly linked to being poor, unless poverty is reduced, the increase in disasters and extreme climate events linked with climate change is likely to affect women more than men. To address the disproportionate impacts of the hazards on women, Cannon argues that the level of poverty needs to be addressed as well as cultural factors which continue to produce gender inequalities. If NGOs and micro-credit schemes continue to assist in reducing gender inequalities and empowering women, women’s disproportionate vulnerability to hazards may decrease.