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:
· Undertake a comprehensive gender analysis to identify the specific needs, vulnerabilities, and capacities of women and girls in the Upazila during disasters.
· 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:
· 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.
· Ensure the inclusion of gender experts and women's rights advocates in the task force.
Step-3: Engage with Women and Girls:
· Conduct consultations and focus group discussions with women, girls, and women's organizations to understand their perspectives, priorities, and recommendations for disaster preparedness.
· Include adolescent girls, pregnant women, and marginalized women in the consultation process.
Step-4: Identify Gender-Specific Needs:
· Identify key gender-specific needs related to healthcare, family planning services, menstrual hygiene, reproductive health, and psychosocial support during disasters.
· Consider the needs of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and women with disabilities.
Step-5: Develop Gender-Sensitive Protocols:
· Develop protocols and guidelines for providing gender-sensitive healthcare services in emergency settings, including antenatal care, safe delivery, postnatal care, and family planning.
· Integrate menstrual hygiene management into the disaster preparedness plan.
Step-6: Design Inclusive Shelters and Facilities:
· Ensure that temporary shelters and health facilities are designed to be safe, private, and inclusive for women and girls.
· Provide separate spaces for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and women requiring privacy.
Step-7: Capacity Building:
· Conduct gender-sensitive training for healthcare providers, family planning workers, and emergency responders on gender dynamics, gender-responsive approaches, and addressing gender-based vulnerabilities.
· 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:
· Encourage the participation of women in disaster management committees, training programs, and decision-making forums.
· Promote women's leadership and representation in all stages of the disaster preparedness planning process.
Step-9: Develop Information and Communication Materials:
· Create gender-sensitive information materials on disaster preparedness, health, and family planning in local languages and formats accessible to all.
· Ensure that women and girls receive essential information on available services and support during emergencies.
Step-10: Coordinate with Stakeholders:
· Foster coordination and collaboration between the health sector, family planning sector, local government, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders.
· Strengthen partnerships to enhance the gender-sensitive response to disasters.
Step-11: Monitoring and Evaluation:
· Establish gender-sensitive indicators to measure the effectiveness of the preparedness plan in addressing the specific needs of women and girls.
· Regularly assess and review the plan's implementation, making necessary adjustments based on feedback and outcomes.
Step-12: Budget and Resource Allocation:
· Allocate adequate resources and budget to support the implementation of gender-sensitive disaster preparedness measures.
· Advocate for financial support from government agencies and donor organizations.
Step-13: Review and Update:
· 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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