Championing inclusion in Nepal’s disaster response
In an effort to fortify urban resilience and earthquake preparedness in the western regions of Nepal, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is taking significant measures to integrate Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles into disaster risk reduction and recovery strategies. UNDP believes that inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and recovery strategies ensure equal access to resources and information for all, by understanding different abilities and vulnerabilities of people which are further amplified during disasters. Such an approach upholds human rights and social justice, ultimately creating safer, more equitable, and resilient societies.
Launched in 2021, the initiative, the Strengthening Urban Preparedness, Earthquake Preparedness and Response in Western Regions of Nepal (SUPER) Project — which is funded by the EU Humanitarian Aid and implemented by a consortium of UNDP, UNICEF and UN Women — exemplifies the collective commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind, especially during times of crises.
The SUPER Project views inclusion not just as a set of checkboxes, but as a fundamental lens through which every aspect of the programme is designed and executed. From inception to implementation, inclusion has been at the heart of SUPER’s approach, reflecting core values of inclusivity and equitable treatment for all. The project, where UNDP is a lead consortium member, deriving from the expertise of three UN agencies, employs a nuanced Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) analysis that examines how vulnerabilities are compounded across various factors such as gender, age, disability, and diversity, particularly in times of disasters.
Crucially, the project has collaborated closely with the National Federation of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN) to ensure that provincial and municipal policies are thoughtfully inclusive of disabled individuals. This collaboration has led to the development of a range of policies, including volunteer mobilization guidelines, provincial contingency plans, Disaster Response Frameworks, Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plans, and Municipal Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans. These policies take into account the specific needs and considerations of individuals with disabilities.
“Our collaboration with UNDP has led to formulation of inclusive provincial and municipal including guidelines for volunteer mobilization, provincial contingency plans, Disaster Response Frameworks, Monsoon Preparedness and Response Plans, and Municipal Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans. These policies have been meticulously crafted to address the unique needs and concerns of people with disabilities. Additionally, the project has actively sought ways to promote a more inclusive environment by implementing training programs within each cluster, aiming to incorporate Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles,” said Priya Khadka, Province Manager, Sudurpaschim Province, National federation of the disabled-Nepal.
A notable achievement towards accessibility and awareness has been the production of Disaster Preparedness Disability Inclusive Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials. These materials, disseminated extensively through social media channels, and owned by the projects federal government counterpart, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), are meticulously designed to cater to individuals with visual and hearing disabilities. The videos, crafted in collaboration with key stakeholders like the National Federation of Disabled Nepal (NFDN), the National Federation of Deaf Nepal (NFDN), the Parent Federation of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (PFPID), and Nepal Association of the Blind (NAB), incorporate innovative features such as appropriately sized sign language interpreters and easily readable subtitles. The language used in the videos has been simplified to ensure genuine accessibility.
“In the process of making the audio-visual content, we ensured that simple language and captioning were used, as well as ensured that the sign language interpretation was 30% of the main screen. This is something that people have really liked. A lot of people were previously denied access to information because, often, making accessible content means increased costs. However, we were successful in using existing informative videos to make them more accessible. This is also a learning to many people!” said Raju Basnet, President, Parent Federation of Persons With Intellectual Disabilities-Nepal (PFPID), Immediate Past General Secretary, National Federation Of the Disabled Nepal (NFDN).
To foster comprehensive and representative participation, SUPER has made it a priority to reach out to diverse groups during its training initiatives. This initiative has engaged a over 6,000 beneficiaries, including 3,000 women and 24 gender minorities as of December 2022. “I was pleasantly surprised when I was invited to a firefighting training. Most of the trainings that we, as members of the LGBTIQ+ community, receive are to do with either livelihood or safe sexual practices. So, the opportunity to participate in such a training was novel,” says Pramila Rana who is a resident of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitant City and identifies as LGBTIQ+. She was among the 24 participants who identify as sexual minorities in a firefighting training conducted by Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, with support from SUPER. Speaking at the training and addressing the trainees, the Disaster Risk Reduction Focal Person of Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City, Lekhnath Ojha says, “Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City is committed to being inclusive. We hope that this training can impart some learning in each of you, which you can then impart on to others or use in case there is a need. We hope this will not only better equip you to fight fires, but also to fight the societal stigma that you often face.”
This commitment to inclusion has been particularly evident in training programmes such as electrician trainings, household based firefighting trainings, and even retrofitting training. The project’s reach extends to over 42 PWDs across various locations in the Western part of Nepal, such as Bajhang, Amargadhi, Dhangadhi, and Nepalgunj, demonstrating its dedication to GEDSI across the region.
A significant contribution to the cause is the development of a Checklist for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Disaster/Emergency Preparedness. This practical tool serves as a guide for the initiative to ensure that GEDSI considerations are embedded throughout the disaster preparedness and response processes.
The stories of GEDSI inclusion under the project echo the progress being made on the ground. They paint a vivid picture of individuals empowered by the project’s commitment to equity and inclusion, whether it’s through life-saving training or challenging societal stigma. These stories underscore the profound impact that GEDSI-focused initiatives can have in reshaping communities for the better.
The Chief Executive of NDRRMA notes, “We are committed to including women, children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities in important discussions that contribute to policy formulation on DRR issues.” And indeed, the project’s holistic approach to promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion in disaster risk reduction and recovery is evidence to the commitment to building resilient and just societies.
Through its partnerships with other UN agencies, its collaboration with diverse stakeholders, its commitment to leaving no one behind, UNDP is not only addressing the immediate needs of communities but also helping create a future that is more inclusive, equal, and prepared to face the challenges ahead.
