From the sidelines to the forefront: the women driving climate resilience efforts in Nepal

Sudurpaschim and Madhesh are two of the most climate-vulnerable provinces in Nepal. As part of the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance’s ongoing work, women are emerging as leaders in disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience, safeguarding their communities against the threats of floods and extreme heat. 

Nepal is no stranger to climate hazards – and here, as in many places around the world, such events are increasing in frequency and intensity. As part of a long-term resilience-building project, Mercy Corps is working with local communities and governments in order to transform disaster preparedness and response approaches across 21 communities in Madhesh and Sudurpaschim. 

Traditionally marginalized in decision-making, women in Nepal are now being recognized as pivotal agents of change – and our program is playing its part by prioritizing gender equality and social inclusion (GESI). We work closely with women in each community to increase their capacity to prepare for, and respond to, climate hazards – through training in leadership and advocacy, as well as in the development of relevant technical skills such as first aid and search & rescue.   

“Women are often the first responders during disasters,” says Basanti Sunar, a Community Disaster Management Committee (CDMC) member from Dodhara Chadani. “The project has been a blessing for us in the sense that we now understand early warning systems, emergency preparedness, and sustainable solutions that protect our homes and livelihoods.” 

One key initiative has been the formation of disaster response committees, featuring the active participation of women; indeed, the majority of committee members across all 21 communities are women. These groups play a vital role in disseminating early warning messages and coordinating rescue and relief efforts. On top of this, they serve as strong advocates for the adoption of local policies that address gender-specific vulnerabilities. 

Resilience in all its forms

Beyond leadership and response training, the Alliance’s project supports women in developing sustainable livelihood options that reduce the level of risk that disasters respresent to them. Women living in flood-prone areas are adopting climate-smart agriculture techniques, such as planting more flood-resistant crops and building raised goat sheds to protect their livestock from floods.

Realizing the importance of financial savings and support during disasters, the CDMCs have introduced mechanisms such as a monthly fund collection from committee members and households in the community.  

“The savings have helped a lot during crisis in the communities. When anyone in the community is in problem, we organize meetings and support them with some funds”, said Tek Bahadur Sunar, chairperson of the Kutiyakabar CDMC. 

A long-term commitment to gender equality in Nepal 

The picture, however, is not perfect: despite this progress, several obstacles to equality remain. The patriarchal gender norms, literacy level and limited access to decision-making continue to hinder women’s full participation in DRR. To address this, we’re collaborating with local governments to integrate gender-sensitive policies, and further increase the representation of women in disaster management committees. As other Alliance interventions have proven, when women’s voices are heard, the whole community benefits.  

Through continuous policy advocacy, sustained investment and active community engagement, we can ensure that women are not just the beneficiaries of climate action, but active leaders shaping a more resilient future. 

The Alliance program’s initial phase – running until 2027 – marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to supporting communities as they make themselves better prepared for future climate hazards. By placing women at the heart of climate resilience, Nepal is taking a significant step toward a more equitable future. 

Find out more about the Alliance’s work in Nepal here.