Empowering Women in Disaster Management

TheIndonesia.co - The Ministry of National Development Planning has emphasized the crucial role of women throughout all phases of disaster management, from preparation to recovery. It advocates for their active involvement and protection in these processes.

"Women are not just victims; they are essential actors and leaders in disaster management," said Maliki, the ministry's Deputy for Community Empowerment, Population, and Manpower, in a statement on Sunday.

According to Antara News Agency, the ministry also highlighted the importance of including people with disabilities in disaster management efforts.

Gender-responsive disaster management is vital, especially considering National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) data that reveals women are 14 times more likely to be victims of disasters than men.

Maliki pointed out that women and people with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change and disaster risks due to limited access and social exclusion, which further weaken their safety nets.

To protect these vulnerable groups, ensuring inclusive access to disaster preparedness services is essential. This includes providing pre-disaster training, accessible infrastructure, and clear communication.

Raditya Jati, Deputy for Systems and Strategies at BNPB, further acknowledged the critical role of women during disasters, noting their involvement in social networks and primary caregiving responsibilities.

He stressed the importance of empowering women as active agents of change rather than simply focusing on their protection. "Integrating a gender perspective into all disaster risk reduction policies and actions is essential to reduce women's vulnerability and ensure equal capacity-building opportunities for both men and women," Jati concluded.