Introduction

Disasters are not gender-neutral. The impacts of hazards, from floods and droughts to earthquakes and pandemics, disproportionately affect different genders due to pre-existing social, economic, and political inequalities. Women and gender-diverse individuals often face higher mortality rates, increased vulnerability to gender-based violence in displacement, and limited access to resources for recovery, while men may be exposed to specific risks in hazardous rescue or livelihood activities. Effective Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) therefore requires a nuanced understanding of these gendered vulnerabilities and capacities. By systematically integrating a gender perspective into all phases of DRR—from risk assessment and early warning to preparedness, response, and recovery—we can build more equitable, inclusive, and resilient communities that truly protect everyone. This essential training course focuses on Integrating Gender in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), equipping participants to champion inclusive and effective resilience-building efforts.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip humanitarian and development practitioners, government officials, policymakers, and civil society actors with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to effectively integrate gender into Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the gendered dimensions of disaster risk, learn to conduct gender-sensitive risk assessments, and explore strategies for developing inclusive DRR plans and programs. The course will delve into topics such as women's leadership in DRR, gender-responsive early warning systems, preventing gender-based violence in disasters, and building resilient livelihoods with a gender lens. By mastering the principles and methodologies of integrating gender in DRR, participants will be empowered to design and implement risk reduction strategies that are equitable, responsive to diverse needs, and contribute to building genuinely resilient and just societies.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Practitioners
• Humanitarian Aid Workers
• Climate Change Adaptation Specialists
• Government Officials (Disaster Management Agencies, Local Governments)
• Civil Society Organizations focused on DRR, Gender, and Community Resilience
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• Community Leaders and Volunteers
• Urban Planners and Development Professionals
• Researchers in DRR and Gender Studies
• Public Health Professionals in disaster preparedness

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and its global frameworks.
• Analyze the gendered impacts of disasters and climate change on diverse populations.
• Learn to conduct gender-sensitive and intersectional disaster risk assessments.
• Develop strategies for integrating gender across all phases of the DRR cycle.
• Acquire skills in designing gender-responsive early warning systems and preparedness plans.
• Explore approaches to promote women's leadership and participation in DRR decision-making.
• Comprehend the importance of preventing gender-based violence (GBV) in disaster contexts.
• Identify and address gender-specific barriers to resilience-building.
• Examine global best practices and case studies of gender-integrated DRR initiatives.
• Develop a practical action plan for integrating gender into their DRR work.
• Enhance advocacy and communication skills for gender-just DRR policies.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Gender

• Defining DRR: concepts, principles, and the Sendai Framework for DRR.
• Understanding gender as a social construct and its relevance to disaster risk.
• Why disasters are not gender-neutral: differentiated vulnerabilities and capacities.
• The humanitarian-development-DRR nexus with a gender lens.
• Introduction to key global initiatives and policies on gender and DRR.

Module 2: Gendered Dimensions of Disaster Risk

• Analyzing gender-differentiated exposure to hazards.
• Understanding gendered vulnerabilities (e.g., mobility, access to information, social norms).
• Exploring gendered capacities and resilience strategies.
• How existing gender inequalities are exacerbated in disaster contexts.
• Intersectional analysis: gender intersecting with age, disability, ethnicity, etc. in DRR.

Module 3: Gender-Sensitive Disaster Risk Assessment

• Tools and methodologies for conducting gender-sensitive risk assessments.
• Collecting and analyzing sex-age-disaggregated data (SADD) on disaster impacts and needs.
• Incorporating qualitative gender insights into risk analysis.
• Participatory approaches to identifying gender-specific risks and capacities.
• Mapping gender-specific vulnerabilities and resources at community level.

Module 4: Gender in Disaster Preparedness and Early Warning Systems

• Designing gender-responsive preparedness plans and emergency drills.
• Ensuring women's and diverse groups' access to early warning information.
• Developing gender-sensitive communication strategies for alerts and instructions.
• Building capacity of women's groups and community networks in preparedness.
• Stockpiling gender-appropriate relief items.

Module 5: Gender-Responsive Disaster Response

• Ensuring equitable access to humanitarian assistance (food, water, shelter, health).
• Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) in displacement settings.
• Providing gender-sensitive psychosocial support in emergencies.
• Meaningful participation of women and marginalized groups in response efforts.
• Safe and dignified distribution of relief items.

Module 6: Women's Leadership and Participation in DRR

• The importance of women's meaningful participation in DRR decision-making bodies.
• Empowering women's leadership in community-level DRR committees.
• Addressing barriers to women's and diverse groups' leadership in DRR.
• Documenting and amplifying women's traditional and local knowledge in DRR.
• Mentorship and capacity building for women DRR leaders.

Module 7: Gender-Responsive Recovery and Reconstruction

• Ensuring equitable access to recovery resources (livelihoods, housing, financial aid).
• Addressing gender-specific needs in post-disaster livelihood restoration.
• Integrating gender into resilient infrastructure planning and reconstruction.
• Promoting women's land and property rights in post-disaster contexts.
• Supporting gender-inclusive community-led recovery processes.

Module 8: Advocacy and Policy for Gender-Just DRR

• Developing compelling advocacy messages for integrating gender into DRR.
• Influencing national and local DRR policies and plans.
• Advocating for gender-responsive budgeting in DRR investments.
• Strengthening accountability mechanisms for gender in DRR.
• Engaging diverse stakeholders, including men and boys, in advocating for gender-just DRR.

Module 9: Challenges, Best Practices, and Future of Gender in DRR

• Overcoming political, cultural, and institutional barriers to gender integration in DRR.
• Documenting and sharing best practices from various disaster contexts.
• The role of technology and innovation in gender-responsive DRR.
• Engaging youth and intergenerational approaches to DRR.
• Developing a personal/organizational action plan for sustained gender-integrated DRR.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training