The International Day for Disaster Reduction will be observed on 11th October in Rwanda and it will focus on the role of women and girls’ in protecting and rebuilding their communities before and after disasters. “In Rwanda, women are catalysts of national development; the reason why they should also play a key role in disaster management,” said Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs Minister Marcel Gatsinzi at the launch of the week-long campaign on disaster risk reduction, reports The Rwanda Focus. Mr Gatsinzi added that the Rwandan government's policy aims to include women in implementing all national programs for a faster development.
In connection with the disaster week, Public talks will be held in girls’ schools and women’s associations to increase understanding of gender issues in disaster risk reduction.