3rd National Conference on DRR, CDMS presented on Fostering Women Leadership and Inclusion in DRR and CC.

The Third National Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (NCDRR) was held in Kathmandu, Nepal on 26-27 December 2024. The conference was organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and coordinated by DPNet Nepal. The conference attended over 300 participants, including key governmental officials, representatives from various development partners, NGOs, academia, and the media. It showcased a concerted effort to encompass all societal segments, especially prioritizing inclusivity for women, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable communities, with amenities such as sign language interpretation and close captioning service available.

From Crisis to Recovery: The Role of Women Humanitarian Leaders in Humanitarian Response and DRR in Nepal

The webinar emphasized the leadership role of women humanitarians in Nepal through policy, implementation and recognition of their role, especially at grassroot level responders. Joined by approximately 30 people, representatives from Sani Bheri Rural Municipality, NDRRMA, DPNet-Nepal, NWORC, WHDRRP were in the panel members. The discussion highlighted the present context of women humanitarians, different challenges faced during the response due to socio-cultural norms and beliefs, and opportunities to promote the women’s leadership role in DRR and HA. The field level experience sharing from Sani Bheri Rural Municipality, Rukum West and Bheri Municipality, Jajarkot mentioned that women can play leadership role not only at home but in society also as a change maker. Hence, fostering inclusive DRR and Humanitarian Response, meaningful representation and leadership of women is fundamental.

Gender and Intersectional approach at COP: Women’s Diverse Leadership and Priorities at COP29

Digo Bikas Institute (DBI) and National Indigenous Disabled Women Association Nepal (NIDWAN) jointly organised“Round Table Discussion on Gender and Intersectional approach at COP: Women’s Diverse Leadership and Priorities at COP29” in collaboration with Centre for Disaster Management Studies (CDMS), WE- Women from Indigenous Nationalities (WE-WIN), SHE Climate Change, Jagaran Nepal and Ipas Nepal, Indigenous Women Legal Awareness Group (INWOLAG) on 29th October 2024 (Tuesday).

The round table discussion was a huge success with 40 participants representing diverse organizations/network working for Gender Equality and Climate Justice, which was facilitated by Ms. Pratima Gurung from NIDWAN. The event delved into the discussion on women-led climate initiatives and actions at the community level focusing on the Conference of Parties (COP). Ms. Geeta Pandey from KIRDARC shared an insightful overview of gender and intersectional approaches within national and international climate plans and policies, highlighting current gaps and challenges. Followed by the participants engaging discussion which outlined key demands, recommendations, and actionable points to adopt for gender-responsive climate policies in Nepal. Ms. Deepa Oli from the Ministry of Forest and Environment, who also serves as Nepal’s gender focal point under the UNFCCC, concluded the discussion with powerful insights on gender-responsive climate finance and policies and overall Nepal’s position in ensuring Gender Equality in climate initiatives. The outcomes from this discussion aim to serve as a guiding document for both organizers and participants, shaping future focus area gender and climate justice.

16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

As Nepal’s recurring disasters highlight gender disparities, with women & girls bearing the brunt, we launched the #16DaysOfActivism against #GenderBasedViolence campaign with a resounding call to mainstream Gender Equality, Disability & Social Inclusion in Humanitarian Action today.

The highlight of the event was an interactive dialogue, where leaders from the government of Nepal, humanitarian clusters, development partners & women-led organizations discussed the disproportionate impacts of disasters on women and girls & highlighted the crucial role of women-led organizations in overcoming these challenges for inclusive community-centered solutions.

Speaking at the event, the UN Resident Coordinator Ms. Hanaa Singer-Hamdy said “Nepal is vulnerable to recurring disasters. But the impacts are not gender neutral. To prevent #VAW in humanitarian crises, we must empower women & girls in humanitarian responses, design inclusive, gender-responsive interventions & hold perpetrators accountable.”

Likewise, the Chief Executive of National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Authority Mr. @AnilPokhrel said “We need to localize GEDSI Strategy Action Plan to translate GEDSI into #DRR & management at the provincial & local level. By doing so we will be able to bring a tangible change in the lives of women, girls & persons with disabilities among others.”

Residential Training for the third cohort of Climate Fellows in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim

Climate Fellows and Municipal Representatives received GEDSI orientation with power walk exercise during the Residential Training which took place in Dhangadhi from 7-11 May 2024.

Launch of TheYouthCAN.org Project in Sudurpaschim Province

Youth Innovation Lab along with its consortium partners, Restless Development Nepal, CREASION, and Centre for Disaster Management Studies organized the Provincial Kick-off meeting of TheYouthCAN.org Project on 6 May 2024 in Dhangadhi. The Secretary of the Office of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers (OCMCM) in Sudurpaschim Province, Mr. Shivaram Pokharel, officially launched the project.

Women Centric Humanitarian Response

Women centric humanitarian response through community kitchen, relief and GBV, PSEA community awareness, right to humanitarian assistance, right to life with dignity in disasters and right to protection and security.