This W20 South Africa policy brief underscores that climate-related disasters are not gender-neutral — they amplify existing inequalities and disproportionately affect women and girls, who are 14 times more likely to die during disasters and make up 80% of those affected. Women face systemic barriers such as limited access to finance, insecure land tenure, exclusion from decision-making, and cultural norms that reinforce caregiving roles. Yet, they are also key agents of resilience and innovation, bringing vital ecological knowledge, community leadership, and adaptive capacities that are essential for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR).
The brief calls on G20 leaders to ensure women’s equitable participation at every stage of disaster management — from early warning systems and adaptive social protection to recovery planning. It recommends investing in women-led leadership and knowledge platforms, implementing gender-responsive financial mechanisms such as index-based insurance and community-based collateral, and leveraging digital tools and mobile technology to reach women in remote areas. By strengthening women’s economic and social resilience, these measures can transform vulnerability into leadership, reducing human and economic losses and fostering more inclusive, sustainable recovery systems worldwide.
Access the publication here.
