By Richard Onapatum
The Nakere Rural Women Activists (NARWOA) have partnered with the Women’s International Peace Centre to support district disaster management committees (DMCs). With funding from the Global Fund for Women, this initiative aims to develop a comprehensive database for disaster response mechanisms and update data collection tools for disaster risk management.
The initiative’s primary objectives include developing and operationalizing a robust database for the DMCs and enhancing the understanding and functionality of various disaster structures and response mechanisms. This database will be a crucial tool for collecting, storing, and analyzing data related to disaster risk management, enabling more informed decision-making and efficient response strategies.
“Our goal is to empower local communities with the tools and knowledge they need to effectively respond to disasters,” said Ed Jessica Ruth Ataa, Executive Director of NARWOA. “By developing this database, we are ensuring that our communities are better prepared and more resilient in the face of disasters.”
Updating the data collection tools is another critical component of this project. The new tools will be designed to capture more accurate and comprehensive data, reflecting the current realities and challenges faced by the communities in Karamoja. This data will be instrumental in tailoring disaster risk management strategies to the specific needs of the region.
The success of this project hinges on the active involvement and collaboration of local stakeholders. Emmy Okello, the project manager, emphasized the importance of community participation. “Working together with local stakeholders and DMCs, we aim to build resilience and capacity within the community,” Okello stated. “This project is not just about developing tools and databases; it’s about fostering a culture of preparedness and proactive response.”
To ensure the project’s success, NARWOA is conducting training sessions and workshops for DMC members and other key stakeholders. These sessions aim to build the necessary skills and knowledge for effectively utilizing the new database and data collection tools. Participants are also being educated on best practices for disaster risk management and response.
The project is made possible through generous funding from The Global Fund for Women. Their support underscores the importance of community-led initiatives in building resilience and mitigating the impacts of disasters.
As the project progresses, NARWOA plans to continuously evaluate and refine the database and data collection tools based on feedback from users and stakeholders. This iterative approach ensures that the tools remain relevant and effective in addressing the evolving challenges of disaster risk management. The ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive and functional DMC database that can serve as a model for other regions.
By focusing on community involvement and capacity building, NARWOA and its partners aim to create a more resilient and disaster-ready Karamoja. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and response in Karamoja. By empowering local communities, NARWOA is helping to build a safer and more resilient region. As Ed Jessica Ruth Ataa aptly put it, “Empowering local communities is the key to effective disaster management. With the right tools and knowledge, we can build a safer and more resilient Karamoja.”