Kumamoto Earthquake Emergency Appeal
Support Women and Marginalized Communities in Crisis
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- Information
2026.7.30
On July 28, 2026, a powerful earthquake registering Japan’s maximum seismic intensity of 7 struck Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.
Although Japan is often perceived as a safe and prosperous nation, disasters have a way of exposing inequalities that too often go unnoticed.
Like many societies around the world, Japan continues to face gender inequalities. In regional communities such as Kumamoto, these inequalities can become more visible during disasters, when women and marginalized groups often face greater barriers to accessing support.
For more than 55 years, JOICFP has worked to advance Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Today, we are launching an emergency appeal to ensure that no one is left behind in the aftermath of this disaster.
Why Women and Mothers Need Support
Natural disasters do not affect everyone equally.
During evacuation and prolonged displacement, access to menstrual products, hygiene supplies, and reproductive healthcare is often the first thing to break down. Pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and young children require specialized medical care, safe spaces, and emotional support, yet these needs are too often overlooked in emergency response.
Women are also at increased risk of gender-based violence during disasters.
Without targeted support, many people go without the care they need simply because their needs remain invisible.
Are you eligible for a Corporate Matching Gift?
If your company uses Benevity, you can support our Kumamoto Relief project directly through your employee portal.
Search for “JOICFP” or enter our Benevity ID: 5869967412573_3d0a
Our Experience
This is not the first time JOICFP has responded to a disaster in this region.
Following the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, we partnered with the Kumamoto Midwives Association, Kumamoto University, local women’s centers, and community organizations to provide:
- Home visits by midwives for pregnant women and families with infants
- Breastfeeding and parenting support
- Safe community spaces for mothers and children
- Menstrual and hygiene supplies
- Prevention of gender-based violence in evacuation shelters
- Mental health and psychosocial support for frontline midwives
These partnerships continue today, allowing us to respond quickly to this current emergency.
NO ONE Should Be Left Behind
Our previous disaster response focused primarily on women and mothers.
This time, we are expanding our support to reach people whose needs often remain invisible during emergencies.
Many evacuees hesitate to ask for help because of stigma, lack of privacy, or fear of discrimination.
This includes:
- Women experiencing menstrual health challenges or menopause
- People requiring ongoing reproductive or hormonal healthcare
- Survivors of sexual and gender-based violence
- LGBTQ+ people who may face barriers in gender-segregated shelters or when accessing essential services
- Anyone unable to speak openly about their physical, emotional, or reproductive health needs
At JOICFP, we believe that dignity, safety, and healthcare are human rights, especially in times of crisis.
How Your Donation Will Help
In partnership with local partners such as the Kumamoto Midwives Association, your donation will help provide:
- Menstrual and hygiene supplies
- Care for pregnant women, mothers, newborns, and infants
- Prevention of and response to gender-based violence
- Support for LGBTQ+ people and others whose needs are often overlooked
- Improved access to emergency contraception
- Emergency assistance delivered through trusted local organizations
As conditions evolve, we will continue listening to communities and adapt our response to their most urgent needs.
About JOICFP
JOICFP is a Japanese international NGO dedicated to advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) so that every person can make informed decisions about their own body and future – free from coercion, discrimination or violence.
For more than half a century, we have worked in over 40 countries and regions across Asia, Africa, and Japan to improve maternal health, expand access to family planning, prevent sexually transmitted infections, strengthen comprehensive sexuality education, and advocate for gender equality and reproductive justice.
In 2025, JOICFP received the prestigious Health and Culture Award in recognition of its long-standing contributions to global health.
Stand with Those Left Behind in Kumamoto
Disasters magnify existing inequalities.
Together, we can ensure that women, mothers, babies, LGBTQ+ people, and others whose voices are often unheard receive the care, dignity, and protection they deserve.
Please make a donation today.
Your donation will be used flexibly according to the evolving needs on the ground. We will share regularly updates on our activities through our website, social media channels, and campaign updates.
Are you eligible for a Corporate Matching Gift?
If your company uses Benevity, you can support our Kumamoto Relief project directly through your employee portal.
Search for “JOICFP” or enter our Benevity ID: 5869967412573_3d0a
