As the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction approaches, CARE and partners are highlighting the urgent need for gender-focused climate solutions. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate disasters, yet their specific needs and perspectives are often overlooked in disaster preparedness and response strategies. CARE calls for inclusive climate action that empowers women and girls putting them at the forefront of decision-making processes.
“By 2050, climate change could push 158 million women and girls into poverty and leave 236 million facing food insecurity. Asia Pacific is the world’s most disaster-prone region, with rising sea levels threatening one billion people, putting women and girls at greatest risk,” said Ramesh Singh, CARE Asia Regional Director. “No actor, including governments, can afford to ignore gender in crisis response. It’s time to address the social impacts of excluding women and girls from disaster risk and climate policies at all levels. Initiatives across the region, like those in the Philippines and Bangladesh, are already showing that when women lead, communities become more resilient and better prepared for future crises.” added Singh.
"By 2050, climate change could push 158 million women and girls into poverty and leave 236 million facing food insecurity."Ramesh Singh, CARE Asia Regional Director
Philippines: Gender-Inclusive Disaster Response
“In the Philippines, CARE is pioneering a transformative approach to disaster response that centers on women's agency and leadership. By partnering with organizations like ACCORD and PKKK, known for their deep commitment to empowering women, we ensure that women lead the way during crises. This approach not only meets their specific needs but also leverages their unique insights to make disaster preparedness more effective and inclusive. By focusing on women, we are not just saving lives; we are building stronger, more resilient communities." Reiza Dejito, CARE Philippines Director explained.
Bangladesh: Women-Led Early Warning Systems
“When women are included in discussions, the decision and plans become inclusive. CARE’s SUFAL project incorporated anticipatory action into community risk assessments and built early action steps into the risk reduction plan. Using gender-inclusive tools, we gather input to address diverse needs. The involvement of women in decision-making has proven to foster their sense of ownership. Timely early warnings via mobile voice messages provided vital guidance, with volunteers spreading the word through methods like mosque broadcasts and loudspeakers on boats and bikes. This enabled women to take proactive steps, not only within their households but also throughout the community. About 95% of respondents said that women and vulnerable groups benefit from these gender-responsive early warnings and actions.” Kaiser Rejve, Director of Humanitarian and Climate Action Program, CARE Bangladesh said.
"By focusing on women, we are not just saving lives; we are building stronger, more resilient communities."Reiza Dejito, CARE Philippines Director
Cox’s Bazar: Climate-Inclusive Strategies for Rohingya Refugees
“Climate-inclusive strategies are crucial for vulnerable communities in Cox’s Bazar, particularly those in the Rohingya refugee camps, where cyclones, flooding, and landslides are a constant threat. At CARE, we focus on strengthening disaster risk reduction and early warning systems, empowering communities to lead preparedness and response efforts. Our work in climate-resilient infrastructure, like slope stabilization and sustainable drainage systems, help protect lives and livelihoods. Through reforestation and ecosystem restoration projects, we aim to mitigate landslide risks and restore environmental balance. Most importantly, involving both refugees and host communities in decision-making ensures these interventions are sustainable, relevant, and truly owned by those most impacted.” Roberts Sila Muthini, Head of Cox’s Bazar Regional Office, CARE Bangladesh said.
Disaster Risk Reduction and climate change adaptation: key policy goals
“Typhoon Yagi wreaked havoc across Southeast Asia and the devastation left by the flash floods in Nepal confirm that Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation should be key policy goals,” noted Marlene Achoki, global policy lead at CARE’s Climate Justice Center. “Climate change alters weather patterns, pushes sea levels up, and amplifies the frequency and severity of natural hazards like storms, floods, and heatwaves. The result is increasing disaster risks and unfathomable losses and damages. It also magnifies existing inequalities, affecting already vulnerable groups, in particular women and girls. Climate change adaptation and DRR, such as climate-resilient infrastructure and early warning systems, are critical to reducing vulnerabilities and strengthening communities' ability to cope with shocks. At COP29, CARE is urging parties to commit to an ambitious, needs-based climate finance goal, replenish the Loss and Damage Fund, and close the adaptation finance gap." Achoki ended.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Sarita Suwannarat, Asia Regional Communications Advisor
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