12–13 April 2025

Provincial Peer Exchange: Resilience in Practice

The Provincial Peer Exchange held in Pokhara on 12–13 April 2025 brought together women leaders from across Gandaki and neighboring provinces for two days of reflection and shared learning. Unlike formal conferences or training programs, this exchange was intentionally designed as a space for practitioners to speak freely about their experiences, challenges, and innovations. Many participants had previously taken part in WHDRRP programs, and the reunion created an atmosphere of trust and familiarity from the moment the event began.
Throughout the gathering, women shared practical field experiences—from coordinating early warning messages in flood-prone settlements to advocating for more inclusive decision-making in municipal committees. Several participants described how they had adapted tools and templates from WHDRRP’s training programs to fit their local realities. One municipal officer explained how her team’s monsoon preparedness plan had improved after incorporating perspectives from women volunteers. Another participant shared how she had redesigned a community drill to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities, leading to far stronger community engagement. The exchange also encouraged participants to work together on emerging challenges. Climate-related hazards were a recurring theme, with several women noting that unpredictable rainfall and shifting weather patterns were creating new risks for communities. In response, participants began drafting practical recommendations on how to integrate climate adaptation into existing DRR plans. These discussions were not theoretical; they were grounded in real stories and challenges that each woman carried from her own district.
Beyond technical learning, the event created a sense of collective strength. Many participants spoke openly about the emotional weight of being a woman in frontline roles, especially when expectations are high and recognition is limited. Sharing these experiences helped reinforce the idea that leadership is not only about skill—it is also about resilience, empathy, and the ability to persist despite structural barriers. By the end of the exchange, participants had formed new collaborations and committed to staying connected beyond the event. Several district-level officers agreed to co-develop community awareness materials, while others planned cross-district visits to observe each other’s preparedness work. The event ended with a quiet sense of accomplishment, grounded in the knowledge that resilience is built not only through policies and plans, but also through relationships, shared learning, and the everyday leadership of women working in the field.

Together, We Build Resilience

Be part of a growing network of women humanitarians and partners working for safer, stronger, and more inclusive communities.

Stories and Trainings that Inspire Action​

From national forums to local drills, WHDRR’s events bring women professionals, community responders, and partners together to strengthen resilience where it matters most.

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