Implementing Organization: Mzuzu Disability Organization (MZUDO) Funder: Global Greengrants Fund Funding Amount: USD 10,000 Implementation Period: To be confirmed Target Area: Mzimba Rural, Malawi Project Overview
This project seeks to ensure that disaster risk reduction and emergency response plans in Mzimba Rural are fully inclusive of women and girls with disabilities, who are often disproportionately affected by climate-induced disasters such as floods, droughts, and storms. With support from the Global Greengrants Fund, MZUDO will work with local authorities, communities, and disability groups to strengthen the visibility, participation, and protection of persons with disabilities in all disaster preparedness and response efforts.

Project Goals

To ensure that disability-inclusive strategies are integrated into the Mzimba Rural disaster response plan To amplify the voices of women and girls with disabilities in disaster-related decision-making spaces To promote the use of accessible communication and early warning systems during emergencies To build the capacity of local disaster committees on inclusive risk planning

Key Planned Activities

Conduct stakeholder meetings with District Civil Protection Committees and local government Facilitate community-level dialogues led by women with disabilities to share lived experiences and risk priorities Support the revision of Mzimba’s Disaster Response Plan to incorporate disability perspectives Develop and advocate for early warning tools in accessible formats (e.g., Braille, audio messages, symbols)
Expected Outcomes
A revised Mzimba Rural Disaster Response Plan that is inclusive and responsive to disability-specific needs Increased participation of OPDs and women with disabilities in disaster planning and monitoring Improved awareness among local authorities and community leaders on inclusive climate resilience Stronger community networks for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities during emergencies “When disasters strike, women with disabilities are the most affected but the least prepared—not by choice, but because systems ignore their needs. This project changes that.” – Joyce Sichali, Executive Director, MZUDO