August 2008: This UN International Strategy for Disaster
Reduction (UN/ISDR) publication emphasizes the special vulnerability of women
to disaster risk, as well as their role in preparedness and response efforts.
Through a series of good practices from various parts of the world, the report
shows the linkages among women’s experiences with natural resource management,
climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The publication
aims to raise awareness of the nexus among climate change, DRR and gender-focused
approaches to development, by sharing concrete solutions and inspiring further
action. It illustrates that the input of women is crucial for DRR and climate
change adaptation strategies. The first section highlights women’s knowledge
and capacity as environmental and natural resource managers, as well as the
importance of land use and management, and alternative livelihood options in
the context of climate change. The second section focuses on women’s
participation in community decision making processes. The last section
showcases some tools used to mainstream gender into planning and policy
development to assess vulnerability and to design adaptive strategies. It also
provides case studies of grassroots women’s leadership and ways to support and
encourage women’s full participation in risk reduction, climate change
adaptation, development and disaster preparedness. [The
Publication]