The UNISDR (United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction) has identified certain groups as being particularly vulnerable during natural disasters. These include children, the elderly, the differently-abled and women. While women may be differently impacted by natural disasters, their strength and resilience during emergencies cannot be underestimated. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management takes this opportunity of International Women’s Day to focus on the important role of women in disaster risk management and to commemorate and highlight their outstanding contribution.

While women may be among the most vulnerable during a disaster, women have contributed to rebuilding communities after many disasters worldwide. For example, after the 1999 earthquake in Turkey, public spaces were created for women to rebuild disrupted community networks by a local NGO. Additionally, disaster aid agencies support women’s empowerment by deeding reconstructed houses in both the man’s and woman’s name and distributing aid through women. Women’s role in disaster risk reduction spans a wide field. From Margareta Wahlström who heads the UNISDR, to the countless stories of women placing themselves in the way of great harm to protect their families and loved ones during a disaster.

We invite members of the public to view our Facebook page at ODPMTT, which will continue to highlight stories of women involved in Disaster Risk Reduction during the course of the day. On behalf of the CEO and staff of the ODPM, Happy International Women’s Day.

Issued by:-
Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit
868 640 1285 ext 14414/ publicinfo.odpm@gmail.com

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