Islamabad: Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam emphasized the importance of promoting gender equality and involving women and girls in all stages of disaster risk reduction (DRR) to enhance the effectiveness of DRR strategies and build more resilient communities. Addressing a national dialogue on ‘Role of Women and Girls in Disaster Risk Reduction,’ Alam highlighted the critical role of women, especially from rural and marginalized communities, in disaster management.
According to Press Information Department, the event, organized by the National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in collaboration with international partners, focused on the unique contributions of women to DRR. Alam noted that women possess invaluable local knowledge about environmental conditions, traditional practices, and risk management, which can significantly improve disaster management strategies and foster a comprehensive understanding of community needs and vulnerabilities.
Alam stressed the necessity of increasing women’s participation in decision-making, policymaking, and policy implementation processes at all levels. She called for supporting and funding women-led DRR initiatives, promoting gender-sensitive approaches in disaster management policies, and ensuring that women and girls have access to education and training related to disaster preparedness and response.
“The present government is highly concerned over the sufferance of the communities, which are frequently affected by climate change-caused disasters, particularly smallholder farming and marginalized communities with poor resources for post-disaster recovery, and committed to building disaster resilience of them by providing them necessary knowledge, skill, and resources,” said Alam.
She further remarked that women and girls often serve as the backbone of their communities during disasters such as floods, cyclones, and heatwaves. Empowered with knowledge and resources, they can play a central role in managing household preparedness, disseminating risk information, and providing critical support systems. Their involvement in DRR initiatives can enhance community resilience and ensure that disaster management strategies are inclusive and effective.
Alam cited recent case studies demonstrating the significant impact of women-led initiatives in disaster scenarios. She highlighted the contributions of grassroots organizations and community-based programs in disaster-vulnerable countries, where women have driven positive change, enhanced risk communication, and supported long-term recovery processes.
“Empowering women and girls in DRR efforts can lead to innovative solutions and more responsive policies. Women’s involvement in policy-making and advocacy ensures that disaster management approaches address the diverse needs of all community members, promoting greater equity and effectiveness in recovery efforts,” Alam concluded.