Country: Nepal Source: People in Need Please refer to the attached file. 1 Executive summary This Gender Equality, Disability, And Social Inclusion (GEDSI) analysis was conducted to understand the gender differences among vulnerable and excluded groups in normal contexts and in times of disaster. It observes how existing gender and social inequalities can impact the project activities and how projects can impact the gender dynamics of the work site. At PIN, we know that inclusive and sustainable programming is only ensured when we recognise and address the unique needs of diverse members of the communities we serve. Hence, GEDSI analysis is undertaken during the initial phase of every project to ensure GEDSI responsive programme planning, design, and implementation. Under RAIN, the GEDSI analysis was conducted in six districts across Madhesh and Lumbini provinces: While the baseline report highlights that over half of the surveyed population is familiar with Early Warning Systems (EWS), the GEDSI analysis reveals that access to, and comprehension of, these systems are not equitably distributed. Women, persons with disabilities, and elderly individuals often receive information indirectly or in inaccessible formats, underscoring the need for inclusive communication strategies. Across the study areas, deeply rooted gender norms-ability, age, caste-based hierarchies and socio-economic inequalities—shape people’s access to resources, participation in decision-making and resilience to disasters. Community UK International Development funded Resilience, Adaptation, and Inclusion in Nepal (RAIN) Programme Lumbini Province Banke and Kapilvastu district Madhesh Province Rautahat, Sarlahi, Siraha and Mahottari district Conducted by People in Need, May and June, 2025 2 structures remain largely patriarchal, with men controlling resources, land, and decision-making platforms. Women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, Dalits, and other marginalised groups are consistently excluded from leadership and disaster preparedness processes. Disaster exposure is high across both provinces, with many settlements located near rivers or flood-prone zones. Infrastructural gaps such as distant health posts, a lack of accessible or culturally appropriate shelter, road blockages, and unsafe water sources compound existing vulnerabilities. While essential resources like schools, ward offices, and local markets exist in most areas, their accessibility is shaped by gender, ethnicity, and ability. Women and girls face significant mobility restrictions, limiting their access to education, healthcare and decision-making spaces. Persons with disabilities and senior citizens struggle with physical barriers and lack of support systems, while Dalits and landless families face systemic discrimination and exclusion from relief and resource distribution. Disasters reinforce traditional gender roles. At the same time, they increase the burdens on women and girls, who assume greater caregiving responsibilities and face heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV), restricted mobility, and lack of privacy in unsafe shelters. Meanwhile, men bear pressure as economic providers, often resorting to negative coping strategies under stress. Children face disruption in education, with girls particularly affected by harmful practices such as child marriage. The study revealed a concerning prevalence of GBV across the study area. Notably, all 19 women participating in focus group discussions(FGDs) in Loharpatti Municipality reported experiencing GBV within their households, underscoring the widespread and deeply rooted nature of protection issues in the study areas. Early warning systems and disaster communication remain inaccessible for many. Participants who are with disabilities, highlighted that current risk communication are not inclusive. Women often receive information indirectly through family members while, while persons with disabilities face systemic exclusion due to the absence of accessible formats. Senior citizens and marginalised communities are dependent on others for critical updates, underscoring the urgent need for inclusive and multi-format communication strategies. Despite these challenges, communities demonstrate resilience through informal support networks, mutual aid and coping strategies such as storing food, relocating collectively to higher ground, and supporting vulnerable households. However, reliance on kinship and informal coping mechanisms cannot substitute for inclusive and systemic preparedness. Safe shelter availability and functionality remain among the most pressing gaps, with existing facilities often unsafe, culturally inappropriate, and inaccessible to women, persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Ultimately, the findings highlight that vulnerability in Madhesh and Lumbini is shaped not only by geography and hazard exposure but also by entrenched social inequalities. Building resilience requires addre
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