The reflections and accounts in this paper were drawn from select engagements held during the Sasakawa USA Emerging Experts Delegation (SEED) program on Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction through Women, Peace and Security in July 2024. The program brought U.S. disaster risk reduction (DRR) experts to Japan to learn about Japan’s progress in implementing Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in the disaster context by meeting with national and local governments, the private sector, and civil society organizations who work on these issues. This paper highlights the delegation’s engagements with academics at the forefront of research in DRR and gender in Tokyo. The delegates also participated in a field study in Tohoku and Noto to meet with local government officials and community leaders affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, and identified challenges, successes, and areas of opportunity for the U.S. and Japan to strengthen their respective and collaborative gender-inclusive disaster response efforts.
In July 2024, the Sasakawa USA Emerging Experts Delegation (SEED) embarked on an insightful journey to Japan, emphasizing the intersection of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) in disaster risk reduction (DRR). This delegation engaged in high-level exchanges with stakeholders such as representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Japanese legislators, women entrepreneurs, NGOs, academics, and local community leaders, collectively underscoring the necessity of international collaboration to amplify women’s active roles in peace and security efforts, especially in disaster-prone regions.
Key Themes
Discussions covered various aspects of Women, Peace, and Security, with a focus on practical strategies to enhance women’s roles in these areas based on lived experiences and cultural norms. Key themes emerged around how cultural attitudes and societal norms influence the treatment of women during disasters, as well as strategies for addressing these challenges through inclusive approaches to disaster risk reduction.
- Entrepreneurial Inclusion
Offering opportunities for women to own more businesses in Japan is not only an economic imperative, but also a strategic step toward enhancing the country’s peace and security.
Empowering women economically promotes gender equality. Leveraging the unique perspectives and leadership of women will aid Japan in building a more resilient, inclusive, and peaceful society. The positive ripple effects of this empowerment can extend beyond national borders, contributing to global peace and security.
- Inclusive Disaster Preparedness Training for Women
Prioritizing training for young girls and women in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery will significantly enhance disaster resilience and facilitate more rapid disaster recovery. By leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives of women, communities can build more inclusive and effective approaches to disaster management that fully recognize their leadership within families and society. Exposure to disaster training will not only saves lives and mitigate damage, but also empower women, promote gender equality, and strengthen the overall social fabric of Japanese society, ensuring a more resilient future for all.
- Shared Accountability as a Societal Mindset
When people are accountable to one another, they are more likely to offer mutual support, which is critical in disaster recovery and the building of long-term resilience. It was intriguing to note that shared accountability for one another – both at work and within the community during times of disaster – was seen as a foundational concept among Japanese disaster survivors. The concept of collective responsibility, neighbors helping neighbors, stood out because it is not heavily promoted in preparedness activities within the United States. Strong social cohesion is essential for a community’s recovery post-disaster.
Entrepreneurial Inclusion:
In the United States, the disaster recovery industry is a billion-dollar sector in which many women play a significant role as business owners. These women-owned businesses contribute to various aspects of disaster management, including preparedness, response, recovery, and rebuilding. By generating revenue and creating jobs, they play a vital role in strengthening local economies, particularly in disaster-prone areas. Their success also helps diversify and stabilize the economic base in these regions.
Discrimination against women is a pervasive issue in both the United States and Japan, though the nature and extent of the discrimination differs based on cultural, social, and legal contexts. In the United States, legal and political battles over issues like reproductive rights and workplace equality are prominent. In contrast, while unequal pay contributes to gender bias in Japan, deep-seated cultural expectations significantly limit a woman’s opportunities in professional and public life, creating cascading impacts in a multitude of areas. It was noted that traditional gender roles are so deeply embedded in Japanese society that women are often expected to assume the roles of cheerful homemakers and contented caregivers – expectations that overlook the innate human drive for achievement which exists in all individuals, including women. Japanese societal norms and gender-based expectations limit a woman’s ability to achieve fulfillment in career and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Considering that Japan is frequently challenged by natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and tsunamis, there is a critical need for robust disaster recovery and management strategies that fully integrate the talents and abilities of women. If the women of Japan were purposefully encouraged and supported in starting businesses within the disaster recovery space, it would contribute significantly to economic stability and growth, which are essential for peace and security. Programs to establish grants for women entrepreneurs in the disaster recovery sector to cover startup costs, research and development, and other initial expenses are needed. Venture capitalist or banking institutions could offer low-interest loans and other financial incentives to women-owned businesses focusing on disaster recovery solutions.
Because women bring unique perspectives and solutions to the table, particularly in business and crisis management, increasing the number of women-owned businesses promotes gender equality, a fundamental aspect of a peaceful and just society. Gender equality also reduces discrimination and violence against women, leading to increased safety in pre-and post-disaster environments. When women are seen as equal contributors to the economy and society, it fosters mutual respect and cooperation among all genders, which is vital for maintaining peace. Women business owners serve as role models and leaders, inspiring other women and girls to pursue their ambitions and contribute to society. Women entrepreneurs often advocate for ethical practices, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This increased representation in leadership positions helps to challenge and change traditional gender norms and stereotypes, creating a more inclusive and equitable society. Strong female leadership is essential in advocating for policies and practices that promote peace and security.
Japan’s news headlines revealed a country grappling with low birth rates, due in large part to the great economic burden of child-rearing on families. The economic requirements of having children effectively diminished the desire of some Japanese couples to have multiple babies, thereby reducing the number of adults who could participate in Japan’s economy in 20 years, and that would be available to protect national security. A more balanced and inclusive economy, built on the intentional inclusion of women as entrepreneurs, will help in creating a peaceful and secure society. When women are economically empowered, they can better support their families, communities, and contribute to the national economy. Economic stability reduces poverty and inequality, which are often root causes of social unrest, conflict and life dissatisfaction.
Women-owned businesses must be viewed as a vital part of Japan’s economic landscape. Despite current societal norms, there exists substantial opportunity to involve women in the disaster recovery sector, particularly in light of the large number of people expected to be affected by future seismic and tsunami events. By owning and leading businesses, women can introduce innovative approaches and strategies that may be overlooked in male-dominated environments. This diversity in problem-solving is crucial in addressing complex issues related to peace and security, including disaster recovery and conflict resolution.
Inclusive Disaster Preparedness Training for Women:
One of the most inspiring segments of our visit was the interaction with women hotel owners who were involved in long-term response to major catastrophic disasters. These women shared their experiences and innovative approaches to providing safe havens during disasters and the importance of social cohesion. Their resilience and leadership in crisis situations highlighted the critical role women play in community-based disaster management.
As one of the few Emergency Managers that is a woman, I believe that women demonstrate exceptional capability in all areas of disaster preparedness and response. Women who are included in disaster planning are often intentional in ensuring that the needs and vulnerabilities of all community members are addressed, leading to more comprehensive and inclusive disaster management strategies.
Unfortunately, women are grossly underrepresented in the field of disaster management in the United States and Japan. This lack of representation has tremendous negative impact, often resulting in inadequate resource and provisional planning. For example, during a discussion at the women’s community center in Sendai, it was noted that essential items such as hygiene products had not been prepositioned for the earthquake disaster.
Traditionally, emergency management and related fields have been male dominated. The Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM) implements the HERricane Program in summer camps across America, with the goal of increasing female participation and representation in the field of Emergency Management. Increasing the presence of women in emergency management ensures diverse perspectives in decision-making processes, leading to more inclusive and effective responses to disasters. HERricane challenges and changes gender stereotypes, encouraging more girls to pursue careers in these areas. The program also helps girls, ages 14-19, develop self-confidence by equipping them with valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making, which are essential in emergency management. Participants will gain knowledge in critical areas such as risk assessment, crisis communication, disaster response, and recovery planning, preparing them to take on active roles in their communities during emergencies.
It is recommended that a variation of the I-DIEM HERricane Program be implemented throughout Japan and renamed to represent Japan’s prevailing threats of tsunamis or earthquakes. HERricane is often implemented in partnership with foundations and academic institutions like Saitama University, where our delegation engaged in a meaningful session with experts from the Center for Diversity, Gender and Inclusion. The discussions revolved around the unique challenges faced by Japanese women during disasters and the center’s initiatives to promote gender equality and inclusion. The center’s research and outreach programs, which aim to empower women and ensure their active participation in disaster preparedness and response, would be ideal for partnership.
Shared Accountability as a Societal Mindset:
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This African proverb emphasizes the importance of unity and collective effort in overcoming challenges, such as those faced after a disaster. Shared accountability plays a crucial role in enhancing communal disaster resilience, particularly in the face of climate change. When a community holds itself accountable for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, it fosters a sense of collective ownership. This shared responsibility ensures that everyone is engaged in reducing risks, is prepared to act when disasters strike, and works towards communal recovery.
Currently, America’s national campaigns for disaster preparedness focus in large part on individual/family accountability for preparedness. This approach reduces shared responsibility for disaster preparedness and recovery, making the current strategy untenable and inequitable for those individuals and groups that are unable to assimilate to the norms and requirements of individual/family preparedness, such as the elderly, unhoused, impoverished, transportation challenged, etc. America’s Covid-19 response demonstrated that our nation’s disaster policies were not built on an equitable foundation and led to a significantly disproportionate death rate for the nation’s marginalized and disenfranchised populations. When communities are not accountable to one another, they are less likely to offer mutual support, which is critical in disaster recovery and the building of long-term resilience.
Throughout the delegate visit to Japan, the nation’s inherent philosophy of shared accountability resonated with me in so many ways. The return to the mindset of neighbor helping neighbor before, during, and after disasters for extended periods of time, with no expectation of monetary compensation is just what the world needs right now in the face of climate change. In Noto, we were transported by a volunteer who regularly made trips to Noto from Tokyo at his own expense, just so that he could be of service wherever his skillset might be needed. While meeting with the train engineers, we learned how employees and passengers are trained during disaster preparedness exercises on how to physically assist other passengers with disabilities. These instances of radical selflessness are baked into the Japanese culture, and it is truly remarkable.
Recommendations and Conclusion
Based on extensive discussions and valuable insights gained during the SEED delegation’s visit, several key recommendations were formulated:
- Increase targeted financial support and incentives for women entrepreneurs, particularly within disaster recovery sectors.
- Establish gender-inclusive disaster preparedness training programs inspired by successful models like I-DIEM’s HERricane initiative, tailored specifically for Japan.
- Embed shared accountability principles within national disaster preparedness frameworks, promoting community-based resilience strategies.
- Develop structured mentorship and leadership programs actively supported by male stakeholders to eliminate gender biases and empower women’s leadership in DRR.
- Launch public awareness campaigns to challenge cultural stereotypes and promote women’s roles in economic, professional, and disaster management contexts.
The delegation’s experiences profoundly influenced their understanding of the crucial intersection of gender, peace, security, and disaster management. Integrating these inclusive practices into disaster risk reduction frameworks globally can significantly enhance resilience, ensuring more equitable outcomes for women and communities affected by disasters.
The SEED delegation’s impactful journey underscored the profound importance of empowering women economically, socially, and politically to advance global peace and security. The collective efforts inspired by Sasakawa USA’s initiative set a robust foundation for continued international collaboration and shared learning, ultimately building resilient, inclusive, and peaceful societies worldwide.
Ms. Chauncia Willis-Johnson wrote in her personal capacity. The views and interpretations expressed by the author are solely her own.
Ms. Chauncia Willis-Johnson is a certified Emergency Manager and Cultural Diversity Expert, as well as the CEO and Co-Founder of the I-DIEM Global. Her career is rooted in her lifelong dedication to mitigating disaster risks, fostering resilience, and promoting inclusivity within communities, particularly those underserved and marginalized.
As CEO and Co-Founder of I-DIEM Global, Ms. Willis Johnson has led initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience in underserved communities and promoting diversity within the emergency management field. Through collaborative efforts, she has worked tirelessly to bridge gaps in access to resources, information, and opportunities, empowering vulnerable populations to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters. This role has provided invaluable insights into the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities and highlighted the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into disaster risk reduction strategies. Through the use of CCRS® and the Global Outreach Center, we have been able to expand this outreach toward underserved communities.
With over two decades of hands-on experience in emergency management, Ms. Willis-Johnson brings a wealth of practical insights and lessons learned to the delegation. Throughout her career, she has navigated complex disaster settings, honing her skills in risk assessment, preparedness planning, and response coordination. Her extensive background enables her to offer a nuanced understanding of the intersectional dynamics shaping disaster vulnerability and resilience, emphasizing the imperative of fostering inclusive, community-driven approaches to risk reduction.
