The Bridge for Resilience, Empowerment, and Development Organization (BREDO) has urged the inclusion of women and differently-abled persons in urban flood resilience planning across Karachi. Recognizing their critical role in community preparedness, BREDO emphasized that gender-responsive disaster strategies are key to reducing vulnerability and ensuring sustainable urban safety.
Recent community assessments conducted by BREDO in Karachi’s high-risk localities, such as Lyari, Korangi, and Malir, revealed that women and differently-abled residents are disproportionately affected during flooding events due to limited mobility, poor access to sanitation facilities, and a lack of participation in decision-making processes.
Ali Sohaib, Disaster Risk Expert and General Secretary of BREDO, highlighted the need for inclusive planning at all administrative levels.
Women and differently-abled individuals are not only victims of disasters, they are central to the solution. Building resilient cities requires integrating their voices, knowledge, and leadership into every phase of flood management.
He said.
BREDO called upon the Government of Sindh, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to incorporate gender perspectives into urban infrastructure development and flood preparedness programs. This includes accessible evacuation routes, gender-sensitive relief shelters, and targeted livelihood recovery support for women-led households.
In coordination with local partners, BREDO has also initiated Women Resilience Circles (WRCs), community-based groups that train women in early warning dissemination, first aid, and neighborhood hazard mapping. These circles are proving effective in mobilizing households and reducing risk during heavy rain events.
When women are empowered to take part in local resilience planning, the entire community benefits,” said our spokesperson. We look forward to collaborating with the government and civic institutions to strengthen inclusive urban resilience for all.
Through its ongoing work in disaster risk reduction, BREDO continues to advocate for equitable, people-centered approaches that align with Pakistan’s National Disaster Risk Management Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
For Further Information Contact:
BREDO Karachi Office
Phone: +92 337 213 1720
Email: info@thebredo.org
Website: https://thebredo.org/
