IHRR
Jul 26,2025
Rautahat, Nepal | July 24, 2025 — A three-day Women’s Leadership Training was successfully conducted from 21st to 23rd July 2025, bringing together 50 women leaders from Rajdevi Municipality and Durga Bhagwati Rural Municipality. The event marked a significant step toward strengthening women’s leadership in disaster preparedness, anticipatory action, and community resilience.
The training was jointly organized by CARE Nepal and the Institute of Himalayan Risk Reduction (IHRR), under the Sajag Samaj Project, with facilitation support from Campaign Nepal. Participants included Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) members, Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs), school teachers, and other active community members.
Of the 50 participants, 29 represented Rajdevi Municipality, while 21 were from Durga Bhagwati Rural Municipality. Over the course of the training, participants engaged in interactive sessions designed to:
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Develop a shared understanding of women’s roles in disaster risk reduction and anticipatory action
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Discuss the gendered impacts of disasters, particularly on women, girls, and marginalized communities
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Identify and challenge harmful social norms that limit women’s participation in leadership
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Enhance awareness of Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies (GBViE) and introduce the Women Lead in Emergencies (WLIE) approach
The training emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership and encouraged participants to become proactive agents of change within their communities. Through scenario-based learning, group discussions, and leadership exercises, the women were equipped with practical tools and strategies to lead during crisis situations.
"Empowering women at the grassroots level is essential for building resilient communities. This training is more than a capacity-building event — it’s an investment in inclusive leadership," said one of the facilitators from IHRR.
Participants expressed their commitment to applying their learning in local disaster preparedness initiatives and continuing to advocate for more inclusive community planning.
This initiative reflects a broader movement to ensure that disaster response mechanisms are not only gender-sensitive but also led by women who understand their communities' unique challenges and strengths.
