March 8, 2024 – Marking International Women’s Day, a cohort of 20 women from the Pacific region, including a participant from Palau, alongside a few from Asia, convene in Nuku’alofa for the UNITAR Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction Training Program. Sharon Truce embarked on Monday to partake in Phase II, which involves in-person training sessions. She emerged as one of the selected candidates from over two hundred participants who completed Phase I through online coursework. The in-person training, scheduled from March 5th to 11th, aims to further enrich their expertise in disaster risk reduction, emphasizing leadership and management in disaster response and recovery. Among the participants in Tonga, twelve countries from the Pacific region and two from Asia are represented.
The escalating impacts of climate change have intensified the frequency and severity of disasters globally, with the Pacific Islands facing distinct challenges and opportunities. The surge in recorded disaster events, attributed to climate fluctuations, has posed significant threats to human security and inflicted severe economic strains. Particularly vulnerable demographics such as women, the elderly, youth, children, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, refugees, migrants, and marginalized groups experience heightened vulnerability during emergencies. Women, often tasked with caregiving roles, bear the brunt of these responsibilities. Their inclusion in decision-making processes not only diminishes their vulnerability but also yields benefits for entire communities.
Dr. Richard Crichton, Regional Training and Development Coordinator for UNITAR’s Division for Prosperity, remarked, “Since its inception in 2016, this training program has witnessed the active participation of dedicated and talented women leaders in its eighth cycle.” He expressed confidence in the significant contributions expected from participants, drawn from diverse backgrounds and endowed with extensive experience and expertise from their respective nations. The training, drawing insights from the Tongan experience, aims to fortify leadership capabilities and disaster risk reduction knowledge through intensive sessions, workshops, site visits impacted by the Hunga-Tonga Hunga-Haapai volcanic eruption and tsunami event, and collaborative endeavors.
Recognizing the pivotal role Pacific women play in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives and empowering them stands to benefit entire communities, stated Dr. Crichton. He stressed that the training equips participants with valuable tools and resources to amplify their influence and foster positive transformations within their societies.
The program’s selected participants reflect a mosaic of cultural backgrounds and expertise, mirroring the rich tapestry of the Pacific region while augmenting the human resource capacity of Pacific Island Countries (PICs). The program serves as a platform for cross-learning, sharing experiences, and devising innovative disaster preparedness strategies.
The Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction program constitutes part of UNITAR’s broader endeavors to bolster sustainable development and enhance resilience to disasters. By arming women leaders with the requisite skills and knowledge to navigate and mitigate disaster risks effectively, UNITAR endeavors to forge safer, more resilient communities for future generations.
Funded by the Government and People of Japan, further details about the Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction program can be found on UNITAR’s website.