Women, Disasters, and Climate Change: Hopeful Joins the EmpoderaClima Program in Porto Alegre

On August 2, 2025, Hopeful had the honor of participating in an inspiring event organized by the NGO EmpoderaClima, as part of the Women for Climate Resilience program. The activity brought together experts, activists, public managers, and civil society organizations to discuss the impacts of climate change on women and girls and to strengthen their leadership in building more resilient communities. The event, held in Porto Alegre, featured the crucial participation of the Municipal Civil Defense, reinforcing the importance of dialogue between public institutions and social movements.

With the theme "Disasters in the Context of Climate Change: How Should I Prepare?", the session focused on the intersection of gender, climate, and disasters. It highlighted both the disproportionate vulnerabilities faced by women in emergencies and their essential roles as caregivers, organizers, and community leaders.

Hopeful shared experiences from its fieldwork during the historic floods that struck southern Brazil in 2024, emphasizing the value of disaster education through a gender-sensitive lens. Examples included training initiatives with female farmers, teachers, and local leaders — all aimed at empowering women to lead preparedness and response efforts in their territories.

The contribution of Porto Alegre's Civil Defense added an institutional dimension to the debate, showcasing inclusive contingency planning strategies and the challenges of implementing equitable public policies in crisis settings.

This action is part of the training activities promoted by the Women for Climate Resilience call for proposals, launched by EmpoderaClima with support from the international organization Vital Voices and other partners. The program aims to amplify women’s voices in the Brazilian climate agenda, recognizing their knowledge, leadership, and capacity for action.

Hopeful reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, intersectional, and community-centered approaches — ensuring that women are not only protected in climate emergencies but are at the center of the solutions.