ECOWAS Disaster Risk Reduction Gender Strategy 2019

The ECOWAS Disaster Risk Reduction Gender Strategy and Action Plan (ECOWAS DRR GSAP) plays a crucial role in supporting member states in building resilience to natural hazards in an inclusive manner. While the Action Plan builds on the disaster risk management activities agreed upon by member states, ensuring gender-responsive language, the Strategy provides guidance on how to achieve this. By incorporating best-practice examples of gender-responsive implementation from across the region, it emphasizes that gender responsiveness is not merely a procedural requirement but a shift in perspective-applying a gender lens to disaster risk reduction efforts. These examples illustrate how integrating a gender perspective into existing activities ensures that the diverse needs of all communities are fully addressed. Ultimately, this approach contributes to saving lives by ensuring that both women and men are equally supported and empowered to manage natural disasters.