Empowering women with knowledge and financial resources

Islamabad:Coordinator to Prime Minister on Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam on Tuesday promoting gender equality and ensuring that women and girls are actively involved in all stages of disaster risk reduction (DRR) - from planning to implementation - is vital to enhance the effectiveness of DRR strategies and contributes to more resilient communities in disaster vulnerable countries like Pakistan.

Addressing as chief guest here on Tuesday at a national dialogue on ‘Role of Women and Girls in Disaster Risk Reduction’, the PM’s climate aide highlighted that women, particularly those from rural or marginalised communities, hold invaluable local knowledge about environmental conditions, traditional practices and risk management. However, their leadership in these areas not only can help improves disaster management strategies but also fosters a more comprehensive understanding of community needs and vulnerabilities. The day-long event was organised here on Tuesday by the National Disaster Management Authority and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination in collaboration with international partner organisations involved in disaster risk reduction activities in the country.

The PM’s Coordinator told the participants of the event. As the world grapples with increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, it has become clear that women and girls are not just beneficiaries but pivotal players in disaster risk reduction (DRR). Their unique contributions are essential for building resilient communities and ensuring effective disaster preparedness and response. Suggesting measures to fully harness the potential of women and girls in disaster risk reduction, the PM’s climate aid Romina Khurshid said that it is crucial to enhance their participation in decision-making, policymaking and policy implementation processes at all levels, support and fund women-led disaster risk reduction initiatives and organizations, promote gender-sensitive app­roaches in disaster ma­n­­a­­gement policies and practices and ensure that women and girls have access to education and training related to disaster preparedness and response.