"Enhancing Disaster Preparedness: Upazila Disaster Management Committee Focus on Protection Strategies for Women, Adolescents, and Children Amid Cyclone Remal Impact"

11 November 2024, Upazila Disaster Management Committee meetings were held in Kalapara, Patuakhali, and Taltoli, Barguna, at Upazila Hall room. A total of 50 participants, excluding project staff, have participated in the meeting, including UNO, Upazila Fisheries Officer, Upazila Livestock Officer, Upazila Women Affairs Officer, Upazila Education Officer, Officer in- Charge, Union Chairman, Press Club Representative, and project staff. Upazila Nirbahi Officer was present as the chief guest in Md. Robiul Islam UNO, Kalapara, Patuakhali, Ummeh Salma UNO, Taloli, Barguna The primary objective of this meeting was to discuss and enhance the protection services for vulnerable groups—specifically women, adolescents, and children—during and after Cyclone Remal. This aligns with the project’s mission to strengthen community resilience and provide targeted emergency support to those most affected. A meeting was held with the Upazila Disaster Management Committee (UzDMC) to discuss and improve protection services for women, adolescents, and children during and after a disaster. This meeting was part of the project "Emergency Support for Cyclone Remal Affected People in Barguna, Khulna, and Patuakhali Districts." The key objective was to develop strategies for enhancing safety, support, and recovery for vulnerable populations in disaster-affected areas. The topic of the meeting was Review of Existing Protection Services and Gaps, Development of a Gender-Sensitive Disaster Response Strategy, Coordination and Resource Mobilization, Training and capacity building for community volunteers. After the discussion • The committee agreed on a coordinated approach to better utilize existing resources for targeted support for women, adolescents, and children. • Decisions were made to enhance shelter facilities with gender-segregated spaces and essential supplies for women and children to mitigate risks and ensure dignity. • All participants agreed on the capacity-building sessions for UDMC and volunteers on protection services. These will be implemented at the union level to prepare local volunteers and staff. • UDMC members recommended allocating more funds and resources specifically for protection measures, including health supplies, sanitary kits, and safe spaces. The meeting highlighted the essential role of the UDMC in providing protection for vulnerable groups during disasters. With the agreed-upon actions, this initiative is set to improve the safety and well-being of women, adolescents, and children affected by Cyclone Remal. These steps will reinforce the disaster preparedness framework at the Upazila level and strengthen the resilience of the most affected populations in Barguna, Khulna, and Patuakhali districts.