NDMA Unveils Women’s Initiative to Strengthen Inclusive Disaster Leadership

By: Alusine Rehme Wilson 

The Gender and Social Inclusion Unit of the National Disaster Management Agency has taken a major step toward inclusive disaster governance with the launch of its “Women in Disaster Management Initiative.”

The maiden meeting, held on March 31, 2026, brought together female staff and senior leadership, including Director General, John Vandy Rogers, to shape the initiative’s framework and roadmap ahead of its official rollout.

Designed to empower women and institutionalize gender mainstreaming, the initiative aligns with global standards such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, while adapting them to Sierra Leone’s context.

“Mainstreaming gender is not optional, it is essential,” Rogers said, stressing that sustainable resilience depends on women’s full participation in disaster risk reduction and leadership.

Female staff described the initiative as inspiring and forward-looking, with discussions focusing on strengthening capacity, participation, and leadership across the agency.

Deputy Director General Sulaiman B. Sowa urged participants to leverage the platform to build competence and uphold professionalism.

In recognition of their support for gender inclusion, both Rogers and Sowa were named the initiative’s first “Allies.”

The programme according to NDMA's Director of Communications, Layer Mohamed Lamrana Bah signals "NDMA’s firm commitment to embedding gender inclusion at the core of disaster management, ensuring a more resilient and equitable future for all."