The UNITAR Hiroshima Women’s Leadership in Tsunami-based Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Training Programme for World Tsunami Awareness Day was first launched in 2016 in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). The programme targets women from around the world but particularly those living or from Pacific SIDS. The UNITAR Hiroshima Office, echoing the Government of Japan, underscored that a gender-focused perspective to DRR. The Programme aims to “help focus attention on the distinct gender-specific capacities and vulnerabilities to prevent, prepare, confront, and recover from disasters.” The Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and its related product, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015 – 2030) set these goals for the reduction of loss of life and livelihood as a result of disasters.

The effects of both the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami and the 2004 Indian Ocean Earthquake and Tsunami remain seared into the collective memory of all nations, particularly those most at risk from tsunami themselves. The number of natural disasters taking place each year has drastically risen since 2000, and the COVID-19 pandemic reminds us that disasters can be caused by biological hazards as well. Socially vulnerable people such as women, the elderly, youth, children, those who are physically challenged, indigenous people, refugees, migrants, and minorities become even more vulnerable in emergencies. Women in particular are also primary caregivers to others. Empowering them to take part in decision-making processes will eventually help vulnerable populations learn how to support themselves in emergencies.

The Programme trains female professionals from small island developing states on leadership and communication skills, specifically in the context of disaster risk reduction. The Programme was delivered fully online, transformed from its original format as in-person training with study tours. 68 women from small island developing states such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa took part in the programme.

The four-month Programme used a combination of on-demand e-learning courses via the microlearning platform EdApp and live webinars with experts in the field. Participants also undertook group work and made final presentations.

The Programme pushed boundaries by making use of the latest technology. Virtual-reality goggles, for example, were provided so the participants could “visit” sites in Japan. Together with 3D maps, the technology gave the participants an immersive and visceral experience as possible.

One hundred per cent of the participants rated the Programme as useful overall. Ninety per cent indicated that the content was relevant to their professional roles, and 97% expressed their intent to use their new knowledge. The Programme significantly helped increase the participants’ knowledge. In particular, more than 96% of the participants indicated that their knowledge levels increased on gender-inclusive leadership in the context of disaster risk reduction, good practices and challenges for women’s leadership in the Pacific region and in Japan, and community-based disaster risk reduction.

The online format allowed three alumnae of past cycles to join as coaches, who inspired participants through sharing their experiences and achievements. Connecting with the alumnae improved peer-to-peer learning and helped strengthen the Programme’s alumni network.