Nepalgunj pioneers inclusive disaster preparedness

Nepalgunj, Nepal — A vibrant city in western Nepal with a dense urban core, growing population and limited resources – is redefining how local governments prepare for disasters. A long-time commercial hub at the Nepal-India border that is highly vulnerable to floods, fires and earthquakes, Nepalgunj has recognized that disaster preparedness must be inclusive. 

For years, support for women, children, the elderly and people with disabilities was seen as charity.

“I used to think the same, even after two decades in this field,” admits Asha Kumar Shahi, Senior Women Development Officer at Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan Office. “But working closely with the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) framework changed my perspective. I now see them as equal and capable, not helpless.” 

This shift began after the “Strengthening Urban Preparedness, Earthquake Preparedness and Response (SUPER)” project – a joint initiative led by UNDP with UNICEF, UN Women and Handicap International (HI) with financial support from European Union Humanitarian Aid – was launched in 2021. Under the programme, UN Women in collaboration with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) catalysed Nepalgunj to become the first local government in Nepal – and in Asia-Pacific – to adopt a GEDSI Strategic Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM). 

Women like Shahi played a pivotal role in advocating for institutional reforms, like a dedicated department for women, children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities within the Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan Office. 

“For a long time, we talked about gender and inclusion, but we hadn’t truly integrated disability,” explains Pabitra Kumari Puri, Head of the new department. “SUPER taught us that disability is not separate – it is deeply interconnected with gender and other dimensions of inclusion. That was eye-opening. Having partners like UNDP, UNICEF, UN Women and HI made a difference in our internal processes. Now, the whole municipal office understands that GEDSI is not an add-on but a priority.” 

While leadership set the vision, implementation depended on strengthening both institutions and communities. 

Dipendra Shrestha, Disaster Focal Person at Nepalgunj, shares: “We have limited resources, but we’re doing our best. SUPER helped us become leaders in disaster preparedness by supporting us in policy and practical areas.” 

The project created space for vulnerable groups – such as women, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other (LGBTQI+) communities – to shape the municipal DRRM plan.

It also enabled Nepalgunj to improve emergency stockpiles, train municipal staff and community volunteers, and strengthen coordination with civil society organizations.

Rinky Kashyap, one of the nine women disaster volunteers trained (among a total of 400 trainees), says she rearranged her home after learning earthquake safety protocols: “I feel safer now, and it’s good for my mental health. I’m not afraid anymore because I’m prepared.”

Her neighbour, Sunita Naagar, adds: “I care for children, my elderly mother-in-law and a disabled brother-in-law. These skills are a huge relief, like a burden lifted off my shoulders”

SUPER installed 12 new fire hydrants across the urban core and placed fire extinguishers in residential neighbourhoods. Women volunteers now practice first aid, evacuation drills and fire safety measures regularly, ensuring that preparedness is no longer an afterthought. 

Nepalgunj’s GEDSI Strategic Action Plan for DRRM was co-created through inclusive workshops with local duty bearers, women-led and women’s rights organizations, and organizations of persons with disabilities, supported by UN Women. It considered diverse needs, using symbols for the deaf, tailored alerts for the blind, and specific guidance for pregnant women, new mothers and children.

Since its adoption, tangible progress includes a two-year work plan, allocated budgets for GEDSI-responsive community workshops, and preparations for disaggregated data collection in every ward. 

Encouraged by its achievements, Nepalgunj aspires to become a disaster response hub for western Nepal, leveraging its strong connectivity and history of supporting neighbouring municipalities.

“Other municipalities now invite us to share our experience, and the provincial government consults us too,” notes Shahi, with pride.