A new protocol in disaster risk reduction policy and praxis for the Southern Africa region : gender-age socio-behavioural intervention and the GIRRL Programme Model

Abstract

The study looked at the importance of understanding the situational context (as the basis for defining social conditions) and the need for an intersectional approach across dimensions of identity for framing the unique disaster risk profile of Southern Africa. Disaster risk reduction policy and praxis in the region has not yet reached a stage where it is ready to recognise and prioritise the specific needs and contributions of distinctly vulnerable sub-groups (for example adolescent girls). As such, there is an inherent need to revise how risk reduction efforts are devised in order to protect these persons. In utilising a multi-site case study approach focusing on the Girls in Risk Reduction Leadership (GIRRL) Programme, the research engaged key informant interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis in collecting targeted data. The findings are presented across four articles. The first article provides the conceptual framework and justification for appreciating the situational context and for using an intersectional analysis of gender and age as elements of identity based on the context of Southern Africa. It encourages an understanding of the underpinnings of vulnerability as a means of reducing risk and introduces the Gender Age Socio-Behavioural Intervention (GASBI) Model, as the resulting protocol developed to address the gaps and weaknesses identified. The second article presents the status of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy and praxis in the region and has submits the GIRRL Programme Model as an application of the GASBI Model aimed at targeting adolescent girls as a distinctly vulnerable group. The third article articulates the GIRRL Programme’s use of the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach to encourage active engagement and empowerment. The PAR approach was identified in response to the marginalisation and vulnerability faced by adolescent girls, derived from social inequality and reflected in discriminatory power allocations and limited access to resources. The final article uses the Human Rights Based Approach as grounding for the evaluation of the GIRRL Programme’s contributions to DRR within the context of Southern Africa based on the inherent links between social inequality and vulnerability and risk. Overall, it is acknowledged that GASBI and its applications (such as the GIRRL Programme), recognise the need for understanding the situational context and the intersectionality of multiple elements of identity (particularly gender and age) as requisite for framing the unique risk profile present in Southern Africa. It is imperative that DRR policy and praxis be driven by these considerations in order to be effective