In recent years, the frequency and intensity of disasters have escalated, impacting communities across the globe. The approach to disaster risk reduction (DRR) has evolved beyond merely responding to crises; it now emphasizes the importance of anticipating risks, mitigating existing threats, and enhancing resilience. The focus is on building sustainable development by protecting progress and fostering resilience.
Every year on October 13, we observe the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, reminding us to consider the most vulnerable populations affected by disasters and the crucial role of gender in these scenarios. This year’s theme, “Fund Resilience, Not Disasters,” advocates for investing in resilience-building to prevent greater costs in the future.
UN Women is actively implementing this principle in three countries of the Europe and Central Asia region: Georgia, Tajikistan, and Türkiye, with a strong commitment to placing women and girls at the forefront of disaster risk management efforts.
The Disproportionate Impact on Women and Girls
Research, including a study by the World Bank, indicates that women and girls often suffer higher mortality rates during disasters. Factors contributing to this include a direct increase in fatalities as well as indirect effects that shorten life expectancy through increased morbidity and economic hardship. In developing nations, studies show that women are more likely to perish in disasters compared to men.
The aftermath of disasters also intensifies gender-based violence, driven by disruptions in healthcare, safety, and support networks, as well as limited access to protection services. Following the catastrophic earthquake in Türkiye in 2023, for instance, UN Women, alongside the Government of Japan, provided gender-responsive protection services to 431 women at risk. Şirin Şeyhmus, a case worker at the Leader Woman Association, noted, “We knew women’s struggles didn’t begin with the earthquake – but the disaster made them worse.”
Enhancing Gender-Responsive Responses
Access to vital resources and information during disasters is often restricted for women due to social and economic inequalities. According to the World Bank’s “Gender Dimensions of Disaster Risk and Resilience,” these barriers can include:
- Limited access to early warning systems and risk communication due to lower literacy rates and exclusion from decision-making.
- Challenges in securing safe shelter, particularly for women responsible for caregiving or those with mobility issues.
- Financial exclusion, which limits women’s ability to safeguard their finances and recuperate economically after a disaster.
- The burden of unpaid caregiving, which increases during crises, impeding women’s participation in preparedness and recovery efforts.
- Underrepresentation in key decision-making roles that affects disaster planning and risk management.
In Georgia, by September 2025, 155 women, including civil society reps and community leaders, participated in training sessions aimed at enhancing their involvement in disaster risk assessments and preparedness strategies, thanks to support from UN Women and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Inclusive Leadership in Crisis Management
Women play a crucial role in disaster risk reduction. Tekle Bregvadze, a lawyer and Deputy Chairperson of the Women’s National League in Georgia, emphasized, “Women are vital to reducing the risks of climate-related disasters. They bring unique, on-the-ground knowledge.” When women assume leadership roles, disaster responses become more equitable, ensuring that the needs of all community groups are considered.
Current Policy Challenges and Recommendations
Despite growing recognition of the importance of gender equality in disaster management, many policies across Europe and Central Asia remain inadequate. According to the Women’s Resilience to Disasters Policy Tracker by UN Women, only eight policies and seven plans are identified as gender-inclusive, marking a significant gap in effective governance.
When women and girls are generalized within the broader “vulnerable groups” category, their specific needs are often overlooked, leading to:
- Increased mortality rates and exposure to violence.
- Missed opportunities for leveraging women’s leadership and expertise.
- Weak mechanisms for monitoring and accountability due to insufficient gender-focused data.
In Tajikistan, over 100 individuals, including emergency personnel and community leaders, have undergone training in gender-responsive disaster management since 2024, with ongoing support for integrating gender perspectives into national emergency policies.
UN Women collaborates with various organizations to fortify disaster risk strategies, reinforcing the need for cooperative action among stakeholders. As highlighted by Mr. Rajabali Rahmonali, Chairperson of the National Platform for DRR in Tajikistan, “We must strengthen our joint efforts to implement these measures and work together to address existing challenges.”
Ultimately, women’s involvement in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery is not just beneficial but essential for building resilient communities capable of withstanding future crises.
