Saving lives, reducing loss: the leadership of women in disaster risk reduction

Abstract

Climate-related disasters are not neutral; they disproportionately affect women and girls due to unequal access to resources, decision-making and support systems. Pre-existing inequalities – such as limited control over assets, discrimination, caregiving burdens, reduced representation in public spaces and heightened risks of violence –compound vulnerabilities in times of crisis. Women’s resilience and ability to prepare for, withstand and recover from disasters are directly tied to their access to financial resources, stable livelihoods, equal and non-discriminatory support systems and meaningful participation in disaster risk reduction (DRR).