The Disaster Management Institute (DMI), Government of Madhya Pradesh, in collaboration with UN Women India, successfully hosted a State-Level Consultation on Gender-Responsive Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) on June 2, 2025, at the DMI campus in Bhopal. The event brought together senior government officials, representatives from various state departments such as Home, Homeguard, Relief Commissioner Office, AIGGPA, Forest, MP Rajya Niti Ayog, RSK, Animal Husbandry, IMD, DDI, Urban Administration, MPSSS, Revenue, along with civil society organizations (CSOs) and UN agencies to discuss strategies for integrating gender equity into disaster governance and resilience planning.
The consultation began with an introductory address by Dr. Sudheer Dwivedi, Joint Director of DMI, who highlighted the state’s diverse risk profile and the crucial role of gender-sensitive approaches in disaster preparedness and management. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp symbolized unity and a collective commitment to the cause. Dr. George V. Joseph, Joint Director of DMI, provided a comprehensive overview of the program, setting the tone for a day of dialogue and collaborative learning.
In the special address, Anil Gulati, Chief of Fireld Office (AI) UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, emphasized the importance of inclusive risk reduction, particularly in addressing the needs of women and children during crises. Ms. Joyatri Ray, State Lead of UN Women Madhya Pradesh, reiterated the need for strengthening gender-disaggregated data systems and elevating the role of women in DRR leadership. Ashish Bhargava, Executive Director of DMI, delivered the inaugural address, stressing the government’s commitment to mainstreaming gender in disaster risk reduction policies and calling for strengthened inter-departmental coordination.
Following the inaugural session, technical presentations began. Dr. George V. Joseph shared insights into Madhya Pradesh’s hazard exposure, vulnerability mapping, and institutional capacities, focusing on high-risk and marginalized populations. A virtual presentation by SDMA Odisha showcased community-led disaster resilience models implemented in the state. Other presentations covered the gender dimensions of DRR, opportunities for capacity building at the grassroots level, and cross-sectoral collaboration, including a session by UNICEF on inclusive, child-sensitive disaster risk strategies.
Post-lunch, participants were divided into four thematic working groups focused on disaster preparedness, response, prevention and mitigation, and rehabilitation. Each group assessed their assigned phase through a gender-sensitive lens, identifying gaps in current policies and proposing inclusive recommendations. The discussions emphasized the integration of women’s voices in planning, the use of gender-disaggregated data, and the importance of inclusive early warning and relief systems.
The consultation concluded with group presentations, certificate distribution, and closing remarks. Key outcomes included policy recommendations for integrating gender in state and district-level DRR strategies, actions to improve data systems and local capacity building, and commitments from stakeholders to promote gender equity and inclusive planning. The event reaffirmed the shared vision of building a gender-sensitive, inclusive, and resilient Madhya Pradesh. The day concluded with the sentiment, "When a woman is affected, the entire family is affected."