Promoting gender-equitable leadership in disaster management: Empowering women for resilient communities

Comparative studies on women's roles in various cultural, social, and political settings are few. This policy brief attempts to bridge this gap by examining and maximizing the contribution of women to disaster resilience, considering the vulnerabilities they face arising from pre-existing inequalities and social norms. From a women's leadership approach to decision-making, the brief examines tsunami-affected areas in Aceh, Indonesia, and Tohoku, Japan—both regions having suffered from previous tsunami events.

The various lessons acquired through the interviewing process state that even though women are recognized as vulnerable during disasters, they also have a critical contribution to make in building resilience within the community. The contribution is not, however, well understood and attained due to gender inequality and social constraints limiting women's involvement in decision-making. The brief identifies several roles that women play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery efforts as well as recommendations to enhance women's participation in disaster management.