Strengthening EbA Through Women’s Knowledge and Leadership: Community Validation Workshop

On 23 March 2026, two Community Validation and Dissemination Workshops were held in Dhangadhi Sub-Metropolitan City and Chure Rural Municipality (Kailali, Sudurpaschim), engaging over 40 women participants. Participants from Ward Disaster Management Committees (WDMCs), Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), and Community Disaster Management Committees (CDMCs) came together to review and prioritize proposed Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) interventions. This workshop was conducted as part of the IUCN Global EbA Fund-supported project, “Mitigating Flood Risk through Women’s Leadership in EbA Interventions.” 

The workshop provided a platform for participants to reflect on existing coping strategies for floods and environmental changes, while identifying ongoing challenges. Participants reviewed and validated proposed EbA interventions to ensure they are practical, inclusive, and beneficial. Through interactive group discussions, they explored the relevance and feasibility of different EbA options, identified barriers and safeguards, and examined opportunities to strengthen women’s participation and leadership across all stages, from planning and financing to implementation and monitoring. 

A participatory ranking exercise helped prioritise EbA interventions based on community preferences, ease of participation, and expected benefits to livelihoods and wellbeing. Discussions also highlighted potential risks and the support needed to ensure safe and meaningful engagement of women, including access to resources, training, and inclusive decision-making spaces. Facilitated by Dr. Manjeshowri Singh (Senior Research Specialist/GESI Expert), Ms. Shreya Bajimaya (Senior Research Associate), and Ms. Sophiya Shrestha (Senior Research Assistant) from Nepal Development Research Institute (NDRI), the workshop strengthened community ownership of EbA planning and reinforced the importance of gender-responsive and inclusive climate adaptation.