Accelerating Change: Empowering Women for Disaster Resilience

In the breathtaking landscapes of West Nusa Tenggara Province, Sembalun Bumbung—a small village at the foot of Mount Rinjani—witnesses an inspiring transformation in disaster resilience. As the threat of natural disasters looms larger, a courageous group of women, led by the remarkable Syaeun, is turning uncertainty into opportunity through bold actions and unwavering determination.

When her village joined the nationwide initiative of Village Disaster Alert Teams (TSBD), which aims to protect Indonesia’s most vulnerable community—children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities—Syaeun discovered her true calling. Despite skepticism about leaving her husband at home, she faces doubt with humor and perseverance: “I’ve always thought women react faster in disasters. After all, we’re quite accustomed to lack of sleep!” Through her tireless efforts, Syaeun has transformed mindsets, uniting the women in her village. Moreover, the establishment of income-generating initiatives has enabled women like Syaeun to contribute to economic resilience, bolstering their families’ livelihoods while taking on crucial roles in disaster preparedness.

Today, women comprise an astounding 70% of the village TSBD, emerging as leaders in disaster preparedness, not just mere participants. “We have proven that we can do it all; we drive trucks to deliver aid while still managing our households,” she proudly asserts, showcasing the incredible strength of women.

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, we honor trailblazers like Syaeun who are paving the way for gender equality in disaster preparedness and building resilience in their communities. Through the SIAP SIAGA Program, Australia and Indonesia are working together to empower these remarkable women who are helping to save lives and ensuring that no one is left behind when disaster strikes.

Together, we can accelerate change for a brighter and safer future!