17 April 2009 Media Statement

Chadwick to attend Gender and Disaster Conference

Steve Chadwick leaves this weekend for a Gender and Disaster Risk Reduction conference in Beijing, China. Ms Chadwick had been invited for her former roles as both Minister of Women’s Affairs and Chair of NZPPD.

“The purpose of this conference will be to address and review progress and existing challenges in mainstreaming gender issues in disaster risk reduction. At present there is an unequal balance in how disasters affect men and women” said Ms Chadwick.

“It is also vital that other major global issues such as eliminating poverty, climate change adaptation, community development and policy making are all seen from a gender perspective. “

Ms Chadwick said that it was a privilege to be invited to the conference by China and indicates a willingness to share ideas, expertise and accept the realities of climate change.

The conference includes delegates from all over the world and will run for a total of two days.

ENDS

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