Women inclusion in World Vision’s Dzud Anticipatory Action Initiatives
When World Vision Mongolia was developing its Anticipatory Action protocol for Dzud, Narantsetseg, 37 and Bayartsetseg, 29, were two of the women who did not hesitate to participate. Anticipatory Action (AA) is a new initiative that ensures steps are taken to protect people before a disaster strike based on early warning.
When World Vision Mongolia was developing its Anticipatory Action protocol for Dzud, Narantsetseg, 37 and Bayartsetseg, 29, were two of the women who did not hesitate to participate. Anticipatory Action (AA) is a new initiative that ensures steps are taken to protect people before a disaster strike based on early warning.
Both women are living in Gurvanbulag soum, Bayankhongor province, identified as one of the high risk areas for dzud. Mortality rate of livestock in this area is expected to peak from March until May. “We have about 200 livestock. I understand that is necessary to help us minimise the damage and our losses,” says Narantseteg. Narantseteg, a single mother with two children aged 8 and 1.
For Bayartsetseg, participation to anticipatory action protocol development also means protecting her family’s livelihood. Her family of five has 250 livestock. The survival of these during the dzud peak season will greatly impact them as their family’s sole source of income is herding.
Women’s voice represented
“About 41% of the herders in Mongolia are women. They also play a major role in the production of dairy products and other livestock products. Their inclusion to shaping the anticipatory action protocol was crucial,” says Erdenechimeg Avidsuren, project lead for World Vision Mongolia’s the Anticipatory Action project funded by ADH. The consultation process has involved 360 participants, 40% of whom were women. Narantseteg and Bayartsetseg were both empowered by this. When AA was eventually activated by World Vision in January, the protocols that they helped developed were instrumental in influencing World Vision’s interventions. As a result, at least 20% in their community and in other provinces who are most vulnerable to dzud received support, including unconditional cash transfer, distribution of food, fodder and hygiene kit. Herder families also received training on how they can better prepare for drought and dzud.