Women at the Forefront: Leading disaster resilience with geospatial innovation 

By Carter Draper and Atiya Anis  

Disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, driven by climate change, urbanization, and socio-political instability. In Africa, these challenges are exacerbated due to limited resources and infrastructure, leaving millions at risk of displacement, food insecurity, and economic hardship. It noted that more than 110 million people on the continent were directly affected by weather, climate, and water-related hazards, and emphasized the importance of data to inform development planning and support early warning systems. Collaborative mapping is one of the tools that have the potential to transform disaster response and preparedness, guide targeted interventions, save lives, and protect livelihoods. 

Disaster does not discriminate, but when a disaster strikes, as per UN Women data, women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die. This makes it imperative that the recovery and response measures should be “gendered”. 

Adding gendered lens to geospatial data 

Map data is revolutionizing disaster management by providing real-time insights into affected areas, enabling faster and more efficient responses. Recognizing the need for building a more resilient community, Transformative Women’s Initiative collaborated with the West and Northern Africa Hub of Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) to educate women’s organizations on the existing perceptions and response to disaster management. “Using open data has been a game-changer for our work. Having access to disaster risk data allowed us to identify the most vulnerable communities in the province, helping us prioritize where to direct resources on disaster preparedness. It has allowed us to analyze trends, advocate more effectively, and engage in discussions with policymakers using concrete evidence. Instead of relying solely on anecdotal experiences, we can present facts that strengthen our case for gender-responsive disaster strategies.” 

SGRAD microgrant activities participants in Makeni, Sierra Leone 

At Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT) gender equity is a key area of work. Guided by its strategic priority of locally led climate action, HOT is increasing women’s involvement in disaster management through open mapping and applying geospatial technologies. Strengthening Gender Resilience Against Disasters (SGRAD) emphasizes the importance of addressing existing gaps in disaster preparedness and response, and empowers women and girls with the necessary tools, knowledge, and platforms to enhance resilience. 

Cross-section of participants at an SGRAD capacity building in Yaounde, Cameroon 

The project trained over 250 local women’s groups in Cameroon, Senegal, and Sierra Leone in using mapping tools and disaster risk management. The aim is to amplify women’s roles in disaster management by fostering scalable, inclusive solutions and empowering them as leaders in emergencies and decision-making processes. 

Teijeh Gullah Syia Kahunla, Team Lead at Strong Girls Evolution, shares, “Open data has provided us with access to valuable information on education, health, and socio-economic indicators, enabling us to make data-driven decisions and tailor our programs to better meet the needs of the communities we serve. For instance, open data on school enrollment rates and gender disparities has helped us identify areas with the need for intervention, allowing us to focus our efforts. Personally, open data has also supported my ability to advocate for girls’ education and rights by providing credible evidence to back our initiatives and proposals to stakeholders.” 

For Strong Girls Evolution, these outcomes align with our mission to create safer, more resilient communities where girls can thrive without the constant threat of disasters disrupting their education and prospects. 

A Holistic Approach to Resilience 

Disaster Risk Management training and mapping have made the communities more proactive—identifying risks early, creating preparedness plans, and even organizing community response teams. Women, in particular, have gained leadership roles in disaster preparedness committees, ensuring their voices are part of decision-making processes. A participant mentioned, “I know exactly what to do when heavy rains cause a river to overflow—helping my family evacuate safely and preventing potential loss.” This project ensures that women and girls serve as beneficiaries and critical contributors to disaster resilience within their communities. The initiative emphasizes: 

• Community-Centric Solutions: Engaging local women’s groups ensures interventions are culturally relevant and sustainable. 

• Knowledge Sharing: Workshops and forums encourage collaboration between grassroots organizations, national actors, and global networks. 

• Scalable Impact: The training-of-trainers approach expands the project’s reach, empowering more women across multiple regions. 

The impacts of climate change are increasing, making it important to develop resilient communities, and women and girls bring distinct perspectives that can play an important role in disaster management. Providing them with the necessary tools and skills to address these challenges can enhance community resilience and promote their involvement as leaders in disaster response and climate action. This approach has the potential to drive lasting impact in the field, inspiring a future where disaster management is truly inclusive and effective. 

Authors Bio 

Carter Draper – Carter is an ICT4D changemaker who has worked across programs ranging from geospatial and participatory mapping, health emergencies, climate change, early warning and response, elections, peace-building, and open governance. A former Director at iLab Liberia, Carter now works for the Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT), supporting programs and partnerships. 

Atiya Anis – Atiya is a communication strategist with extensive experience in crafting impactful narratives, driving engagement strategies, and leveraging the power of storytelling to co-create solutions toward the vision of creating an inclusive, equal, equitable, and sustainable society. As an advocate for social change, she thrives on turning ideas into actionable strategies that resonate with diverse communities.