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Empowering Change: Highlights from the High-Level Regional Workshop on Gender Responsive Disaster Risk Reduction in Eastern Africa by UNESCOÂ
Eastern Africa, a highly disaster-prone region, grapples with severe impacts from weather events, conflicts, and hazards. 2023 witnessed devastating natural disasters – from severe floods and landslides in Rwanda to persistent drought across parts of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, and even the landfall of Tropical Storm Cheneso in northern Madagascar. Despite advancements in country-based disaster risk reduction policies, gender inclusion remains crucially elusive. In Eastern Africa, gender-based inequalities amplify the adverse impacts of disasters especially on women, girls and people with disabilities. For instance, a 15% decrease in rainfall led to a 5% decline in the highest grade of primary school enrollment for girls in Uganda[1]. Women's life expectancy is disproportionately affected, and they experience higher mortality rates and increased negative mental health effects due to disasters. [2]
In this context, the High-level Workshop on Gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Initiatives was held by UNESCO from August 22nd to 24th, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme "Promoting Gender-responsive Disaster Risk Reduction Initiatives." This dynamic gathering brought together technical representatives from a diverse range of institutions, including governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), universities, UNDRR, UN Women, UNEP, WFP, and a spectrum of stakeholders from Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Our objective is clear: to ensure that gender is no longer an afterthought in disaster risk reduction but rather a fundamental and integrated aspect.
The workshop's opening remarks were delivered by esteemed figures including H.E Ambassador of Japan, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Public Service, Gender and Affirmative Action, and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry of Republic of Kenya. Notably, UNESCO's Regional Director and Representative a.i. Alesandros Makarigakis also shared his insights. The formal inauguration of the workshop was officiated by the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government.
Dr. Mary Nyasimi from UNESCO presented the organization's report on . She pointed out the absence of gender-specific legislation and Gender Action Plans for DRR. She emphasized the limited utilization of gender and inclusivity research data to inform DRR efforts, with the data usage standing at less than 8% among the 10 studied Eastern African countries. Furthermore, the report shed light on the lack of DRR initiatives, with fewer than 25% among the 10 studied Eastern African countries identifying the most vulnerable populations and devising approaches to support them. Additionally, only a small fraction—less than 15%—of the studied countries' DRR initiatives effectively addressed the diverse needs of different people and groups.
There is need to ensure linkage of the frameworks dealing with peace, security, disaster and climate change.
Following the enlightening presentation, participants representing their respective countries embarked on sharing their National Case Studies, offering diverse insights into gender-responsive DRR Policies and Approaches, including policies and strategies, action plans, awareness and training, collaboration with civil society organizations, gender-disaggregated data collection, etc.
The second day of the workshop featured presentations by distinguished representatives from UNDRR and UN Women, highlighting the draft Global Gender Action Plan (GAP) for DRR under Sendai Framework. Engaging breakout groups delved into discussions, actively examining and deliberating the GAP's recommendations.
Through the discussions in this workshop, there's a collective goal to reinforce Gender-responsive DRR in Eastern Africa, fostering meaningful progress.
The workshop also hosted a panel discussion, a platform graced by experts from prestigious organizations including Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), UNDRR, Africa Union Commission (AUC), African Youth Advisory Board on DRR (AYAB-DRR), UN Women, and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). The discussion illuminated the intricate challenges and promising opportunities associated with integrating gender considerations into DRR planning and policy development.
Concluding the workshop, a draft communique was collectively agreed upon. The communique called to bridge gaps and ensure resilience, encompassing capacity-building, collaboration, preparedness, relief, recovery, resource allocation, monitoring, and international support. The participants committed to promoting gender equality and equity in disaster risk reduction, aligning with global and regional frameworks for sustainable development and gender empowerment. These consolidated insights are poised to be submitted on behalf of Eastern African countries to contribute to the Global GAP and to be tailored to form regional and national plans advancing gender-responsive DRR efforts in the region.
