This publication includes case studies that demonstrate the courage and skills of women who have taken up leadership roles in different resilience-building initiatives across Africa and Asia. While it is important to understand women’s vulnerability to disasters and climate change, it is also vital to avoid stereotyping women as inherently vulnerable, passive recipients of aid and protection. This has previously precluded women from being considered as active agents in humanitarian action and resilience-building, and overlooks the fulfilment of their right to equal participation and decision-making.
The case studies show that, when supported and empowered to take up a leadership role, women have the readiness and enthusiasm to lead resilience-building efforts, and have time and again demonstrated their ability to do so. Women are leading initiatives to diversify livelihoods, adapt agricultural practices in the light of climate change, ensure governmental disaster management strategies incorporate their needs and advocate for the sustainable use of natural resources.
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