Gender Unit
The Gender Unit of the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) mission is to address the immediate needs of disaster-affected populations in Somalia’s poorest communities while tackling the underlying causes of vulnerability. We recognize the critical link between poverty and gender inequality and are committed to promoting gender equality in collaboration with stakeholders.
Gender Strategy:
At SoDMA’s Gender Unit, our goal is to transform humanitarian responses and disaster risk management approaches in Somalia through a systematic gender perspective.
Mainstreaming gender considerations into policies, procedures, and guidelines relating to disaster management and reduction involves integrating gender perspectives at all levels of decision-making and across all aspects of disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and risk reduction. At SoDMA our strategy identifies the following factors to ensure effective mainstreaming.
- Inclusive Planning Processes: Ensure that gender considerations are integrated into all stages of disaster planning, including risk assessment, contingency planning, and development of disaster response and recovery plans. Engage with diverse stakeholders, including women organizations, civil society groups, and marginalized communities, to ensure their perspective are included in decision-making processes.
- Capacity Building and Training: Provide training and capacity-building opportunities for disaster management practitioners, policymakers, and frontline responders on gender-sensitive approaches. This includes raising awareness about gender issues, providing guidance on integrating gender considerations into policies and programs, and building skills to address gender-based violence and discrimination.
- Data Collection: Collect sex-disaggregated data to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of gender mainstreaming efforts and to identify gaps and areas for improvement.
- Partnerships and Collaboration: Foster partnerships and collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including women’s organizations, gender equality advocates, humanitarian agencies, and local authorities, to leverage expertise and resources for gender mainstreaming in disaster management. Engage with diverse stakeholders to ensure that gender considerations are integrated into joint initiatives and coordinated response efforts.
The Gender Unit at SoDMA aims to ensure that vulnerable women, men, and children receive equitable support and assistance during disasters. By embedding gender equality measures into our operations, we strive to foster inclusive and resilient communities across Somalia.
Join Us
We invite ministries, international and national partners, and stakeholders to explore our initiatives and join us in advancing gender equality and gender mainstreaming in disaster management. Together, we can build a more inclusive and resilient Somalia.
For more information and relevant documentations needed, please contact us at gender@sodma.gov.so
