Unveiling Our Findings: A Baseline Study on Inclusive Disaster Preparedness in Uganda
In an era of increasing climate-related disasters, it is critical to ensure that everyone is prepared and protected, especially those in the most vulnerable communities. The Diverse Empowerment Foundation (DEF) has just completed a groundbreaking baseline study in the Mbale and Kasese districts of Uganda, and we are thrilled to share the initial findings. Our research focused on the intersection of disability, SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics), and climate change, revealing key gaps and opportunities in local disaster preparedness efforts.
What We Learned from the Study
Our study sheds light on the often-overlooked challenges that gender diverse Persons with disabilities face during and after disasters. The findings reveal that these individuals are disproportionately impacted due to social stigma, lack of inclusive policies, and limited access to critical support.
The research highlights several key takeaways:
- Significant Gaps in Preparedness: Local disaster preparedness and response plans often lack specific provisions to address the unique needs of gender diverse Persons with disabilities. This results in a lack of safe and accessible shelter and resources during emergencies.
- Erosion of Trust: Social stigma and past negative experiences have led to a deep-seated mistrust of emergency responders among these vulnerable groups. This mistrust prevents many from seeking help, even when their lives are at risk.
- Lack of Inclusion in Planning: Our findings confirm that gender-diverse persons with and without disabilities are largely excluded from disaster preparedness and planning discussions. Their valuable insights and lived experiences are not being incorporated into strategies, which perpetuates a cycle of exclusion and vulnerability.
Our Recommendations and a Path Forward
The report outlines several critical recommendations to enhance the inclusivity of disaster preparedness. We believe that by implementing these strategies, local authorities and organizations can build stronger, more resilient communities.
Key recommendations include:
- Building Trust: Implement culturally sensitive training for emergency responders to better understand the needs and experiences of gender-diverse persons with and without disabilities.
- Empowering the Community: Actively involve community-based organizations and local leaders in disaster planning to ensure a bottom-up approach that is inclusive and effective.
- Developing Inclusive Policies: Advocate for and develop policies that explicitly protect and support gender diverse Persons with disabilities in all phases of disaster management.
Join Us in Building a More Inclusive Future
This is just the beginning. The findings from this baseline study provide a crucial foundation for future action. We invite you to read the full report to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and to learn more about how we can all work together to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
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