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Disaster Risk Reduction in the Maldives: Women on the Front Lines

Disaster Risk Reduction in the Maldives: Women on the Front Lines

Disasters disproportionately impact women and girls. Yet, their voices are often missing from the table when it comes to planning and preparing for these events. This is where initiatives like the Maldivian Red Crescent's Strengthening Preparedness and Resilience through Inclusive Community Governance (SPRING) Project come in, empowering women to become active change-makers in disaster risk reduction (DRR).

Why Women Matter in DRR

Women play a crucial role in keeping families and communities safe before, during, and after disasters. They manage household preparedness, influence risk reduction decisions, and help communities recover. However, traditional approaches to DRR often overlook this vital contribution. The SPRING Project is aspiring to breaking this mold.

SPRING: Building Resilience Through Inclusion

The Maldivian Red Crescent, in partnership with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), with the support of the USAID Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance is implementing the SPRING Project. This project works to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience in communities across the Maldives, with a strong focus on gender inclusion.

Our Approach

  • Gender-balanced participation in capacity building initiatives: Workshops and programs are designed to ensure equal opportunities for women, men, and marginalized groups.
  • Empowering local champions: Women are trained as local champions, playing a key role in community mobilization and advocacy for DRR.
  • Community Engagement: The project actively engages community members, including women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, in developing and implementing Island Disaster Management Plans.

Investing in Women Means Investing in Resilience

By equipping women with the knowledge and skills to prepare for disasters, the SPRING Project is building stronger, more resilient communities in the Maldives. Thus, by recognizing the critical role women play in disaster preparedness, we can create a safer future for all.