African Risk Capacity
Follow-Up Activities to Gender Analysis & Gender Mainstreaming in DRM Action Plan Implementation in Zambia and Zimbabwe
From November 10 to 23, 2024, a mission was conducted to support the implementation of the Gender and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Action Plan in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The mission team included key personnel such as the Head of Gender Division, the Country Engagement Manager for Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Communication Officer, Support Officer, and Gender Experts. The mission’s objective was to translate the findings from the gender analysis into concrete actions that would promote gender equality and address gender-based violence (GBV) within the context of DRM.
In collaboration with various structures, the African Risk Capacity Gender Unit conducted a gender analysis (GA) in DRM to provide an overview of the gender situation in Zimbabwe and Zambia in 2021 and 2024, respectively. The gender analysis informed the development of Gender Action Plans (GAP) with measurable gender indicators and actions. The GAP was based on data and studies from the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, development partners, civil society organizations, field visits to selected communities and districts, and national institutions and partners. Training manuals in DRM were also designed, and a national Training of Trainers (ToT) and a policy dialogue were held in both countries.
Following the comprehensive gender analysis, follow-up activities were essential to raise awareness, promote gender equality, engage key stakeholders, and build local capacity to address GBV and gender issues in the context of DRM. These activities were aligned with the Gender Transformative Fund mechanism and Objective 3 of the ARC Gender Strategy. The selected activities, planned to start in 2024 and continue into early 2025, included :
- Publication of advocacy and sensitization materials
- Organization of advocacy campaigns, including visits to parliamentarians and religious and traditional leaders
- Promotion of Gender and DRM messages in mainstream and social media
- Raising awareness of GBV among men, women, girls, and boys
- Training of Trainers workshops at district and provincial levels
The main objective of the mission was to support the implementation of the Gender and DRM Action Plan through :
- Conducting targeted advocacy and sensitization activities by promoting gender and DRM messages through media platforms
- Engaging with parliamentarians, religious, and traditional leaders on gender and disasters
- Raising awareness of GBV
- Conducting Training of Trainers at district and provincial levels to disseminate knowledge and skills on gender and disasters
These activities were piloted in Zimbabwe and Zambia through the collaboration of the ARC Gender Division and the ESA team, with the support of the Swiss Agency Cooperation (SDC). The success and participation of various stakeholders highlighted the need for similar initiatives in other member states where the first phase of gender mainstreaming in DRM has taken place. More support and collaboration are needed to replicate these activities in other member states in 2025. The Gender Division will leverage collaboration with other departments to maximize opportunities and resources for conducting similar activities in additional member states.
