Gender-Responsive Early Action Protocol for Volcanic Eruption Disasters: FPAR for Advocacy and Rights of Older People and People with Disabilities.

What is the humanitarian need?

This initiative addresses the disaster risk and vulnerability experienced by older individuals, women, men, girls, and boys with disabilities, along with their caregivers, in volcano eruption-prone areas. It aims to enhance their participation in decision-making processes related to disaster preparedness programs and influence social protection initiatives to address the specific challenges faced in hazard-prone settings. The project also seeks to develop an innovative approach to participatory data collection and analysis, with a focus on the roles played by older individuals, women, men, girls, and boys with disabilities and their caregivers.

What is the innovative solution?

The innovative solution involves utilizing the Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) approach to empower the elderly and persons with disabilities to take on leading roles in developing action-oriented recommendations for inclusive early action in natural hazard-driven disasters. FPAR builds on research methods developed as participatory action research but integrates feminist perspectives and processes. This approach will improve existing humanitarian practice enhancing the effectiveness of social protection programs and contingency plans in a volcanic eruption-prone district in Indonesia.

Comprehensive data will be collected, encompassing specific risks and vulnerabilities, barriers faced by the elderly and persons with disabilities, the impact of disasters, and basic needs during disasters, to support the creation of inclusive risk management- to engage in early action in response to volcanic eruptions.

The solution will raise the voices of the elderly and persons with disabilities, ensuring their perspectives are considered in decision-making processes and enabling tailored support that addresses their unique needs.

What are the expected outcomes?

The expected outcomes of this research includes using a data collection method which incorporates a rights-based approach to address the gaps in fulfilling the basic rights of older women and men, as well as women and men with disabilities, including youth and children. This will ensure their inclusion and meaningful participation in early action and disaster preparedness efforts. Through the implementation of qualitative and quantitative research methods, the project will generate valuable insights and recommendations.

The project seeks to improve the Social Protection Program by incorporating the findings and recommendations from the research. This will lead to dignified actions that enhance the preparedness of older individuals, women, men, and people with disabilities, while enabling them to fully utilise their capacities. By integrating the research outcomes into the Social Protection Program, a more comprehensive and inclusive approach will be developed, addressing the specific needs and vulnerabilities of marginalised groups.