Project Name: Systemic Action for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Nepal
Project Location: Western and Eastern Nepal
Project Duration: August 2025 – June 2028
Project Summary
Empowering women to lead climate resilience in Nepal is happening through project SAFER Nepal. This project strengthens inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate resilience in municipalities affected by climate-related impacts. The project empowers marginalised groups, particularly women, to lead community-based climate resilience efforts.
Addressing the intersection of housing vulnerability, climate-induced disaster risks, social exclusion and limited local governance, SAFER Nepal supports municipalities to develop inclusive disaster policies and plans. The project builds capacity through Community Disaster Management Committees, promotes climate-adaptive practices and fosters long-term resilience through advocacy, training and participatory planning.
Project Need
Nepal’s Dhanusha and Kanchanpur districts are increasingly affected by floods, droughts, and wildfires. Marginalised communities, including ethnic minorities, ex-bonded labourers and women, are disproportionately impacted. Many live in inadequate housing in high-risk areas with limited access to basic services.
Local governments often lack updated, inclusive DRR policies, while residents are under-represented in disaster governance. Existing infrastructure is commonly inadequate to withstand intensifying climate events.
Project Activities
SAFER Nepal strengthens community and municipal capacity for disaster resilience through:
- Supporting local governments to develop inclusive disaster and climate resilience plans
- Training and equipping municipalities to implement these plans effectively
- Establishing Community Disaster Management Committees with strong representation and influence of women
- Providing mentorship, training and seed funding to implement locally driven solutions, such as climate-resilient infrastructure, tree planting and household safety upgrades
Impact
Over 3,950 residents will gain the skills, confidence and support to participate actively in local disaster planning and response. Through mentorship, training and seed funding, communities will lead the planning and implementation of local resilience initiatives, improving housing safety, environmental protection and overall disaster preparedness.
At the government level, municipalities will institutionalise inclusive DRR policies and frameworks, ensuring disaster planning and budgeting reflect the needs of the most vulnerable. Strengthened disaster management committees will enhance coordination, responsiveness and accountability.
This project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) and is in partnership with our implementing partner Habitat for Humanity Nepal.
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