Jakarta, March 23 -- The Ministry of National Development Planning has emphasized the critical role of women in all stages of disaster management, from preparedness to recovery, advocating for their active participation and protection.

"Women are not merely victims; they are vital actors and leaders in disaster management," stated the ministry's Deputy for Community Empowerment, Population, and Manpower, Maliki in a statement released Sunday.

The ministry also underscored the necessity of including people with disabilities in disaster management advocacy.

Gender-responsive disaster management is crucial, given National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) data indicating women are 14 times more likely to become disaster victims than men....