Women Lead Disaster Resilience Efforts Across India

Caritas India highlights women stepping beyond traditional roles to lead disaster recovery, strengthen livelihoods, and demand inclusion in planning, reshaping resilience across vulnerable communities.

NEW DELHI (Indian Catholic News) — Women across India are stepping into leadership roles in disaster resilience, challenging traditional gender norms and reshaping recovery efforts in vulnerable communities, according to a report by Caritas India.

The Women as Partners for Change document highlights how women in flood‑prone villages are organising committees, demanding infrastructure improvements, and launching livelihood initiatives that strengthen both families and communities.

Women step forward in Assam

In Sadhukuti village of Lowairpoa block under Karimganj district in the state of Assam, women are reshaping community dynamics. Fifteen women formed a committee to identify beneficiaries and monitor development work under the Early Recovery project supported by HCL Foundation. Together, they facilitated cash support and livelihood assistance to 75 marginalised families

One member, Dipti Rekha Baidya, said: “Earlier I didn’t have the courage to move out of the house without my husband. But somewhere I wanted to involve myself into social work and contribute towards the development of our village.”

Caritas India notes that recurrent disasters compound social vulnerability, with women often bearing the brunt. Economic constraints and lack of decision‑making power isolate women from disaster planning, while domestic workloads intensify stress. Yet, women are increasingly recognised not only as victims but as active agents of change.

Voices for change in Bihar

In Brahmachari village, Bihar, women mapped risk areas and collectively approached their MLA, requesting construction of a bridge over the Kuwa river to ease access to fields. Kamala Passi explained: “During the risk mapping we marked this area as a risk prone area and to solve this issue we had collectively approached MLA sahib.”

Caritas India’s approach embeds empowerment into disaster risk reduction. Women organise themselves into informal institutions and participate in formal bodies, influencing decisions and negotiating for representation. These leaders are emerging as role models, surpassing traditional divides and gaining platforms to work alongside men.

Women’s participation in village planning has bridged gaps in addressing differential needs. Their instincts and knowledge of household resources enable them to outline inclusive disaster plans. Caritas India has facilitated mapping exercises, helping women analyse vulnerabilities and identify sustainable solutions.

Livelihood recovery and innovation in Kerala and Odisha

In flood‑prone Sissisumoni village in Assam, weaving once halted during inundation. Now, improved skills and technologies allow women to integrate traditional knowledge with modern science, sustaining income even in lean seasons. Renumai Misong said: “Earlier I could weave only 5 Mekhela Sador in a year but this year I managed to weave up to 15 sadors.”

Post‑disaster livelihood recovery has been prioritised. In Kerala, after the 2018 floods, 312 women were supported in enterprise development. A group in Ernakulam district formed a Joint Liability Group named Anugraha and launched a candle‑making unit. Producing 1,000 candles weekly, each member earns 300 rupees per day.

In Odisha, self‑help groups trained to produce phenyl identified markets in schools and shops. One group sold 100 litres at 35 rupees per litre, earning 500 rupees profit. These initiatives demonstrate how women’s economic empowerment strengthens resilience and sustains communities.

Women as first responders and leaders in West Bengal

Caritas India has trained volunteers to act as first responders. Women aged 18 to 45 make up 30 percent of these task forces, mobilising communities to store essentials and disseminate early warnings. Ratna Devi from Malda district in West Bengal state said: “I never realised my right to participate and my potential to contribute in disaster response. However, the training on First Aid and Search & Rescue conducted in our village helped me make informed decisions.”

Promoting gender parity in humanitarian work is central to Caritas India’s vision. Women staff are encouraged to lead emergency and development projects, ensuring gender sensitivity across programme cycles. The Emergency Response and Disaster Risk Reduction desk now has a 40:60 male‑female ratio, a shift from its earlier male dominance.

Assistant Manager Pooja Rana reflected: “I feel, becoming a woman leader in humanitarian sector means making intentional decisions and taking risks. Women make up a large number of those who risk their own lives to save others.”

Caritas India underscores that disasters affect genders disproportionately, but women’s involvement in emergency response and risk reduction remains an untapped asset. By mobilising women into task forces and leadership roles, knowledge gaps and prejudices are reduced. Women are now informed, able to identify their own needs, and empowered to act.

The organisation calls upon stakeholders to promote inclusive engagement and build resilient communities. Women’s leadership in disaster resilience is no longer peripheral—it is central to sustainable development and the pursuit of equity.

Read the full report.