HI-GRID GEDSI assessment training for GRB

Agenda

Supported by DFAT – Government of Australia

About the event

The Lower Koshi Basin is home to over 30 million people and is regarded as a highly vulnerable river basin in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, because of its susceptibility to several hazards and the effects of climate change. The region faces the dual challenge of too much and too little water (TMTL), often leading to destructive water induced hazards like floods as well as a shortage of water for essential needs in specific parts of the region. The risks of TMTL are exacerbated by the escalating impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic disparities, which disproportionately affect women, people with disabilities and vulnerable communities. The high degree of dependence on agriculture in increasingly risk-prone areas further compounds the challenges on the marginalised communities and intensifies their vulnerability.

To address the presenting issues, ICIMOD initiated the “Building capabilities for green, climate resilient, and inclusive development (HI-GRID) project. As a part of the initiative, ICIMOD’s Strategic Group 1: Reducing Climate and Environmental Risks’ Action Area A: Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks, jointly with its partners Community Development & Advocacy Forum Nepal (CDAFN), HUSADEC Nepal, Mandwi, and Sabal Nepal, is organising two three-day training programmes on Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) assessment for 11 municipalities in Bardibas.

GEDSI assessment is an evaluation tool that has become mandatory for local governments. Local governments must conduct the assessment annually before beginning their annual planning process. Local governments, with ICIMOD’s help, have an opportunity to enhance their capacities in conducting GEDSI assessments regularly. By providing comprehensive training on the assessment’s content, local representatives and officials will be equipped with the necessary skills to effectively perform these audits. Regular GEDSI assessments play a crucial role in promoting inclusivity and ensuring the diverse needs of all community members are addressed equitably. Without conducting GEDSI assessments, it is challenging to identify gaps and effectively mainstream GEDSI with the support of Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) at the local level.

The training aims to strengthen GEDSI initiatives at the local level, focusing on strategically mainstreaming GEDSI. The activities are designed to provide targeted training to deputy mayors/vice chairs, chiefs, social development section coordinators, social development committee members, and GESI focal persons at the municipal level.

Objectives

The objectives of the GEDSI assessment training are to enhance the understanding and implementation of GEDSI principles within the local level. The main objectives include:

• Raise awareness: Raise awareness about the importance of GEDSI assessment at the local level
• Build capacity: Equip municipal leaders with the skills needed to analyse and assess the inclusiveness of organisational policies, programmes, and practices
• Develop strategies: Enable municipal leaders to develop strategies for improving GEDSI in their organisations, including policy recommendations and practical interventions
• Actionable plans: Guide municipal leaders in creating actionable GEDSI assessment reports and implementation plans

Expected outcomes

• 11 municipalities will conduct GEDSI assessment annually from coming fiscal year
• Municipal political leaders will have increased knowledge on GEDSI assessment to identify gaps for the implementation of the GRB process
• GEDSI implementation committee will be formed