Women and Resilience: Women as a Driving Force of Resilient Societies

 

Throughout history, disasters have left behind images that recur far too often: an earthquake destroying a city, a tsunami devastating a coastline, or a drought triggering food insecurity. In these scenarios, the media frequently portray women holding babies in their arms, facing the loss of their homes and loved ones, while men are often depicted as the primary actors in rescue and response efforts. Adolescents, in turn, tend to remain invisible or are compelled to assume responsibilities for which they do not always have the necessary tools or support.

At first glance, this representation may seem insignificant. It is often assumed that, during emergencies, assistance is provided equally to the entire population. However, reality shows that the social, economic, and cultural conditions of each territory directly influence who has access to information, resources, and decision-making spaces. Failing to recognize these differences means failing to address them—ultimately placing the safety and lives of women, girls, and adolescents at risk.

From a disaster risk management perspective, it is evident that humanitarian assistance alone is not sufficient. It is essential to consider the specific needs of different age groups and genders, to listen to their voices, and to understand that girls and adolescents require differentiated measures in areas such as protection, health, education, and participation. Too often, these needs are not only unmet but not even acknowledged during response and recovery processes.

Women are not only victims - we are resilient. This assertion does not arise solely from theoretical analysis but from accumulated experience in both fieldwork and academia. Over the years, I have observed how women take initiative, lead processes, and mobilize their communities through actions aimed at risk mitigation, preparedness, and disaster planning.

From my role as a university lecturer, I have trained women and young people in disaster risk management, and I have confirmed that when critical, contextualized, and territorially grounded learning spaces are created, strong and committed leadership emerges—leadership deeply rooted in service to the community. However, this potential does not develop spontaneously; it requires enabling conditions, such as access to relevant and timely information and genuine, meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

Recognizing the role of women cannot remain at the level of discourse. It is imperative to strengthen the factors that allow this leadership to be sustained over time: access to quality and relevant education, health services tailored to specific needs, family and community support networks, protective environments, and effective prevention strategies. When these conditions are aligned, the impacts are not only immediate but also structural and sustainable.

An inspiring example of this approach is the Guardians of the Hillside program, implemented in Manizales, Colombia. In this initiative, women—many of them heads of household—have assumed a leading role in promoting responsible coexistence with hillside areas. Through social, environmental, and technical training processes, they have become knowledge multipliers and community leaders, strengthening the culture of risk prevention in a city highly vulnerable to emergencies and disasters. Such initiatives demonstrate that the active inclusion of women is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic pathway toward building territorial resilience.

Speaking about the capacity of women and adolescents in disaster risk management means recognizing collective strengths that help reduce both the likelihood and the impact of adverse events. However, this recognition must translate into concrete actions: providing tools, creating real opportunities, and trusting in their ability to positively influence society.

Today, it is imperative to move beyond the image of women and girls as passive victims of disasters or secondary actors. It is time to acknowledge their leadership in disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, and the construction of more resilient and peaceful communities.

The evidence is clear. We no longer wish to be labeled as “forgotten heroines”; we seek to be visible, heard, and fully incorporated as a fundamental part of planning, prevention, and the stewardship of territory and nature. Achieving this requires trust, institutional support, and genuine decision-making spaces that enable women to lead and implement initiatives with social and territorial impact, for the benefit of society as a whole.

About the Author

I am Priscila González, an Ecuadorian professional specialized in disaster risk management, emergency response, and territorial development, with more than ten years of experience across the public sector, academia, and interinstitutional projects. My professional trajectory has focused on capacity building, vulnerability reduction, and strengthening decision-making processes in disaster contexts, integrating technical expertise, public management, and a strong social perspective. I currently serve as a Research Lecturer at the Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja (UTPL), where I previously directed the Disaster Risk Management degree program (2021–2023). I collaborate in research projects and specialized academic networks focused on resilience and territorial sustainability. I hold a Master’s degree in Disaster Risk Prevention and Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management. I am motivated to contribute to the construction of safer, more resilient, and better-prepared territories, inspiring more women and young people to lead transformative processes from academia and the field.