Analysing English and Spanish gender relations literature in disaster contexts, the article finds that public policy and approaches to disaster risk management are affected by the way gender is theorised. The authors support ways of thinking that promote democratic, environmentally and socially sustainable and disaster resilient communities through disaster risk reduction. This must be done through representing daily realities of both men and women. The article recommends to involve women's groups and gender researchers in cross-region projects, fund transport for women and men in low-income areas, support research, writing and publication on gender and policy in disaster contexts by women and men from low-income countries