Guidelines for How to prepare a Gender-Sensitive Disaster Preparedness Plan for the Health Sector and Family Planning Sector (Upazila Base).
Step-1: Conduct a Gender Analysis:
Ā· Undertake a comprehensive gender analysis to identify the specific needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities of women and girls in the Upazila during disasters.
Ā· Assess the gender-specific impact of previous disasters on health and family planning services to inform the planning process.
Step-2: Establish a Gender-Sensitive Task Force:
Ā· Form a multidisciplinary task force comprising representatives from the health sector, family planning sector, women's groups, local government, and NGOs to lead the planning process.
Ā· Ensure the inclusion of gender experts and women's rights advocates in the task force.
Step-3: Engage with Women and Girls:
Ā· Conduct consultations and focus group discussions with women, girls, and women's organizations to understand their perspectives, priorities, and recommendations for disaster preparedness.
Ā· Include adolescent girls, pregnant women, and marginalized women in the consultation process.
Step-4: Identify Gender-Specific Needs:
Ā· Identify key gender-specific needs related to healthcare, family planning services, menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and psychosocial support during disasters.
Ā· Consider the needs of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and women with disabilities.
Step-5: Develop Gender-Sensitive Protocols:
Ā· Develop protocols and guidelines for providing gender-sensitive healthcare services in emergency settings, including antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, and family planning.
Ā· Integrate menstrual hygiene management into the disaster preparedness plan.
Step-6: Design Inclusive Shelters and Facilities:
Ā· Ensure that temporary shelters and health facilities are designed to be safe, private, and inclusive for women and girls.
Ā· Provide separate spaces for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women requiring privacy.
Step-7: Capacity Building:
Ā· Conduct gender-sensitive training for healthcare providers, family planning workers, and emergency responders on gender dynamics, gender-responsive approaches, and addressing gender-based vulnerabilities.
Ā· Sensitize staff on the importance of promoting women's leadership and participation in disaster preparedness and response.
Step-8: Promote Women's Leadership and Representation:
Ā· Encourage the participation of women in disaster management committees, training programs, and decision-making forums.
Ā· Promote women's leadership and representation in all stages of the disaster preparedness planning process.
Step-9: Develop Information and Communication Materials:
Ā· Create gender-sensitive information materials on disaster preparedness, health, and family planning in local languages and formats accessible to all.
Ā· Ensure that women and girls receive essential information on available services and support during emergencies.
Step-10: Coordinate with Stakeholders:
Ā· Foster coordination and collaboration between the health sector, family planning sector, local government, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
Ā· Strengthen partnerships to enhance the gender-sensitive response to disasters.
Step-11: Monitoring and Evaluation:
Ā· Establish gender-sensitive indicators to measure the effectiveness of the preparedness plan in addressing the specific needs of women and girls.
Ā· Regularly assess and review the plan's implementation, making necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.
Step-12: Budget and Resource Allocation:
Ā· Allocate adequate resources and budget to support the implementation of gender-sensitive disaster preparedness measures.
Ā· Advocate for financial support from government agencies and donor organizations.
Step-13: Review and Update:
Ā· Periodically review and update the gender-sensitive disaster preparedness plan to reflect changing needs, emerging challenges, and lessons learned from previous disasters.
By following this guideline, the health sector and family planning sector can develop a robust gender-sensitive disaster preparedness plan that addresses the unique needs and vulnerabilities of women and girls in the Upazila, ensuring their health, well-being, and empowerment during emergencies.
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