Women at the Heart of Recovery: Catalyzing Funds for Sustainable Reconstruction

Despite playing critical roles in supporting food systems, health networks, and housing recovery, women are often overlooked in traditional recovery efforts. Mobilising gender-sensitive, inclusive, and locally informed approaches to post-disaster recovery is essential, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine, where reconstruction needs are vast and complex. 

This high-level event will begin with a roundtable featuring representatives from EU institutions, national governments, and leading experts. The discussion will explore how to shape recovery efforts that move beyond emergency response and are inclusive, sustainable, and locally driven.

The session will focus on placing women and marginalised groups at the centre of recovery strategies, drawing on experiences from Ukraine, Syria, Gaza, and Morocco.

A follow-up technical workshop will allow for in-depth discussion of concrete actions, challenges, and opportunities across different recovery settings. Participants will compare lessons learned, identify synergies, and explore ways to build coordinated action in fragile and crisis-affected contexts.

As part of this event, Cities Alliance and Enabel will present the report Women-Centred Recovery After Climate Disasters and Conflict, developed in collaboration with the Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Streetnet International, and local partners across multiple regions.

The publication outlines the key challenges women face during and after crises involving climate disasters or violent conflict. It highlights persistent gender inequalities that limit women’s access to resources and exclude them from decision-making. 

The report presents practical strategies to reduce gendered vulnerabilities, promote inclusive planning, and support women’s leadership in building resilient and peaceful communities.