Phase 1 of the theme-based meetings for elected women representatives in Darbhanga has now been completed.
Focusing on different aspects of Gender Safety, the three-hour meetings were held in 38 community clusters across seven blocks in Darbhanga, chosen for the Megha Climate Collaborative study.
Darbhanga is vulnerable to the increased risk of gender-based violence during natural disasters as a result of its geographic proximity to India's borders and its weak socio-economic indicators. Research has also shown that gender discrimination can also prevent women and girls from accessing services or securing a shelter or safe spaces during an emergency, further increasing their likelihood of injury or death (World Bank, 2023).
In light of this, it has been an imperative of the Megha Climate Collaborative study to focus on themes relevant to the lives of the local community. Besides discussing experiences of the women and highlighting services that can be accessed, the meeting included a gender safety audit via a walkthrough by the participants through a public area of the locality.