Sendai Workshop on Disaster Risk Reduction, ‘Shelters for Everyone’

The various problems women faced in evacuation centers at the time of the disaster were often due to the fact that few women were participating in the decision making process in regard to the operation of evacuation centers. Thus, in collaboration with residents, the Sendai Gender Equal Opportunity Foundation created a workshop program called “Shelters for Everyone” that incorporates diverse viewpoints in the operation of evacuation centers. This program has been used at follow-up training courses for the Sendai City Community Bosai Leaders (SBL), and is also run as workshops at shimin (civic) centers, adult education classes, and childcare support facilities. In the program, participants engage in discussions using actual problems that have occurred in evacuation centers, and by sharing diverse knowledge and viewpoints, participants can experience coming up with solutions that satisfy everyone.

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DRR Practice② Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction

“Decision-making and Taking Action” Promotion of Women Leadership Program

During the Great East Japan Earthquake, there were many situations where women were unable to exercise their full leadership in the management of evacuation centers or the process of reconstruction.
Given that the fostering of women talent is vital to building disaster-resilient communities, Sendai City has been running a training program called “Decision-making and Taking Action” since 2016, aimed at women who are involved in local activities, such as community development.

As of FY 2024, 202 women had completed the program. Each fiscal year, a network of program graduates is formed and continues to engage in regular activities. Graduates share the importance of women demonstrating leadership in their communities by presenting at the World Bosai Forum and the Sendai Symposium for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Future and by giving activity reports at mini-events during the Women and Disaster Prevention Corner at L-Park Sendai.

The “Decision-making and Taking Action” program is included in the Sendai Framework Voluntary Commitments (SFVC) as one of many voluntary commitments relating to the Sendai Framework.

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DRR Practice④ Citizen and company participation in disaster risk reduction