Why Women’s Leadership Strengthens Disaster Resilience and Environmental Stewardship

Disasters have long been described through stories that portray women as people who need to be saved, but evidence from around the world shows that women are often the ones who strengthen community preparedness and response. The old idea of “women and children first” grew out of moments like the 1852 sinking of the HMS Birkenhead, but it does not reflect how women actually contribute during crises. As climate change increases extreme weather, communities depend even more on the skills, knowledge, and leadership women provide.

Women often develop crisis-management abilities early in life through caregiving, household responsibilities, and community involvement. These skills include recognizing risks, organizing supplies, caring for vulnerable people, and sharing information through local networks. In many countries, women lead preparedness programs, participate in community disaster-management committees, and guide recovery efforts. Examples include women mapping evacuation routes in Laos, strengthening sanitation and food security plans in Papua New Guinea, starting community-centered leadership programs in Mexico, and organizing water and sanitation projects in Nepal.

Western countries show similar patterns. In Scotland, more women serve in water-governance roles, improving coordination and communication in a sector essential for climate resilience. Networks such as the Community of Women in Water support mentorship and leadership development, filling gaps in a field where women remain underrepresented.

Globally, women face greater impacts from disasters because of unequal access to resources, mobility, and political power. Yet the same women often lead community responses, guide environmental stewardship, and advocate for policies that protect families and neighborhoods. Research consistently shows that when women participate fully in disaster planning and climate policy, response strategies become more practical, equitable, and effective.

Across cultures and regions, empowering women strengthens resilience. When women have decision-making power, access to training, and opportunities for leadership, communities become safer, more adaptive, and better prepared for future challenges.

Read the full article “Why Women’s Leadership Strengthens Disaster Resilience and Environmental Stewardship” by Reynard Loki

🔭   This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.