CFAs: Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction Training Programme

The programme is free for participants from target countries and conducted with the full financial support of the Government and the People of Japan.

Aims 

• This programme aims to equip learners with lifelong skills to develop inclusive disaster risk reduction plans that reflect the needs of their communities and countries.

Objectives 

• In the course, participants will learn about disaster risk reduction, including the Sendai Framework, the Sustainable Development Goals, gender-responsive disaster risk reduction, multi-stakeholder coalitions in disaster risk reduction, community-based disaster risk reduction, and climate change.
• Participants will be exposed to Japan’s experiences and reconstruction efforts after major disasters, as well as learn from experiences from the Pacific and Asian regions.
• By the end of the programme, following the completion of webinars and e-courses, participants should be able to:
  • Develop an inclusive disaster risk reduction plan for their country
  • Describe the key principles of disaster risk reduction, with a focus on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
  • Outline community-based disaster risk reduction and what it means for an “all-of-society approach”
  • Illustrate the importance of gender-inclusive leadership in the context of disaster risk reduction

Phases of the Programme

• Phase I (September to November 2024) is divided into three sections and will conclude with final group presentations. 100 participants will be enrolled in this phase.
  • Section 1: Introduction to disaster risk reduction and Japan’s experience
  • Section 2: Climate change and disaster risk reduction in the region
  • Section 3: Women’s leadership and an all-inclusive disaster risk reduction approach
  • Final group presentations: Participants will develop an inclusive disaster risk reduction plan and present it in groups
• Phase II (March 2025) will be an in-person training for 20 selected participants to explore leadership and management in disaster responses. This phase will focus on post-disaster and recovery and will include site visits, lectures and interactions with experts.

Eligibility Criteria 

• The programme is open to motivated people of all genders from Pacific Island countries and Asia. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Participants must be:
  • At least 18 years old
  • Passionate in making a difference in their society
  • Interested in disaster risk reduction
  • Keen to deepen their understanding of women’s empowerment
  • Have a good command of the English language (oral and written)
  • Computer literate with stable internet connectivity
  • Committed to completing the programme
  • Women applicants will receive priority.

For more information, visit UNITAR.