Disasters, both natural and man-made, disproportionately affect women and exacerbate existing gender inequalities. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction reports that women and children are 14 times more likely to die during a disaster than men. This is due to a combination of factors, including limited access to resources, social norms and cultural barriers, and the unique vulnerabilities women face.

During disasters, women often bear the burden of caring for their families and communities, facing increased risks to their safety and well-being. Disrupted infrastructure, loss of basic services, and limited access to healthcare further compound the challenges they face. Women, especially those living in poverty or marginalized communities, are more likely to experience gender-based violence, including sexual assault and exploitation, in the aftermath of a disaster.

Recognizing the unique needs and potential of women, Caritas India has been working tirelessly to promote women-led disaster preparedness and recovery program in Odisha’s aftermath of the 2022 Monsoon Rains. These initiatives not only address the immediate needs of women in disaster-affected areas but also empower them to actively participate in decision-making processes and become agents of change within their communities.

Women-Led Disaster Recovery and Preparedness Program (WLDRPP) is operational in Balasore, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur for the Odisha Monsson rain-affected households. The WDRDP program works in four major components including shelter repair, livelihood support, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Under the DRR component, Caritas is actively developing contingency plans at the village level in 10 villages of Balasore, 6 villages of Puri, and 4 villages of Jagatsinghpur.

20 village-level task force committees were formed in each of the villages comprising of 600 members to ensure effective disaster response. Caritas India has also organized a capacity-building training program from 15-18 May 2023 to orient the members on community-based disaster management and the roles and responsibilities of the task force teams. District Disaster Management Authorities were also roped in the intervention districts to provide certified master trainers for the task force training.

Following a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach, 160 community task force team members actively participated in the training. The training equipped participants with skills in first-aid, search and rescue, early warning systems, WASH, and patrolling.

To ensure the sustainability of the training and effective dissemination of knowledge, Caritas has planned sharing sessions in all 20 intervention villages. During these sessions, the trained task force team members will share their learnings with their team members, fostering a culture of resilience and empowering 600 first responders at the community level.

In addition to the capacity-building training, Caritas India has taken proactive measures to support the 20 village-level task force committees with emergency equipment kits. Before the kit distribution, the task force members were trained on the proper usage of each piece of equipment. This comprehensive training ensured that the task force committees were well-equipped and knowledgeable about the tools they would be utilized during emergency situations.

Investing in women-led disaster preparedness and recovery programs is not only a matter of justice and human rights but also a smart and effective approach to building resilient communities. Furthermore, it is essential to adopt a gender-responsive approach in all aspects of disaster management, including policy development, planning, and implementation. This means ensuring that women’s voices are heard, their perspectives are considered, and their needs are integrated into all stages of the disaster management cycle.

Caritas India remains committed to building the capacity of communities in Odisha, fostering a proactive approach to disaster response and preparedness. By empowering individuals and establishing robust systems, we aim to create a safer and more resilient Odisha, one that can face future challenges with resilience and determination.

This program is a testimony that women are not just victims of disasters; they are powerful agents of change. Their unique perspectives, strengths, and resilience can be harnessed to build more inclusive, equitable, and disaster-resilient societies. By empowering women and addressing their specific needs, we can transform them from victims into leaders, from recipients of aid to active contributors to their communities’ recovery and resilience.