Women with disabilities learn about their role and participation in disaster risk reduction

UN Women continues to support gender-responsive and inclusive approaches to disaster risk reduction and promotes the involvement of women and girls with disabilities in relevant processes. To serve this goal, a three-day awareness-raising training titled “Strengthening the Role of Women with Disabilities in Disaster Risk Reduction” was held in Kutaisi, following a previous session in Tbilisi. The training brought together women leaders with disabilities from western Georgia, mothers of persons with disabilities and representatives of the Centers of Independent Living.

During the training, 30 participants learned about gender and disaster risk reduction and were introduced to the methods used to identify risks associated with climate-induced disasters. They also participated in interactive sessions and group exercises that were tailored to their specific needs and the hazards in their communities. In addition, the participants worked on ways to implement inclusive practices, leadership, advocacy and effective communication.

One segment of the training was allocated to one of the participants, Mariam Garakanidze, Chairwoman of the Ozurgeti Independent Living Center. Mariam, together with the Women’s National League, which is also a partner of UN Women, implemented a project on first aid for women with disabilities and conducted trainings for them over the past two years. During the recent meeting in Kutaisi, she shared this knowledge with participants about what information is necessary to provide when calling an ambulance, how to use a fire extinguisher, what to include in evacuation and first aid kits, and other important guidance. In addition, Mariam presented the participants with thematic digital cards sharing a variety of useful information. It is noteworthy that the cards are audio-enabled and accessible for persons with visual impairments.

“I came here hoping to share my experience,” said Mariam. “I am glad that I had this opportunity. It is critical to know how to act during disasters, because we may not be physically able to provide concrete assistance ourselves; nevertheless, if necessary, we can guide others, give instructions and save lives.”

The training aimed to empower women with disabilities with practical knowledge and skills about how to identify risks and hazards at the community level, apply gender-responsive approaches to risk reduction, and implement inclusive initiatives tailored to the needs of persons with disabilities.

“These kinds of meetings and trainings help us learn how to take preventive measures and develop effective response plans to reduce risk,” said one of the participants, Mari Nutsubidze, after the training. “When you have all of this figured out, you have theoretical knowledge about how to act in the event of a disaster. It reduces panic and can make a significant difference—especially for us, as we are vulnerable and may need more support while responding to a disaster.”

Marika Dzotsenidze, a staff member at the Orioni Daycare Center in Zestaponi, also emphasized the importance of practical knowledge: “Understanding disaster risks and being prepared is very important for everyone. After this training, I feel much better equipped to support not only family members but also children with disabilities at our center, if needed,” she added.

The training was conducted in collaboration with the organizations Partnership for Human Rights and the National Network of Women with Disabilities. Notably, representatives of these organizations participated in a training-of-trainers on gender and disaster risk reduction last year, supported by UN Women, and they are now actively contributing to knowledge-sharing on the role of women in disaster risk reduction.

The training “Strengthening the Role of Women with Disabilities in Disaster Risk Reduction” was held within the framework of the UN Women project “Gender in Disaster Risk Reduction”, implemented with the generous financial support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).