Why Disaster Response and Recovery Matters
Disasters — whether floods, cyclones, droughts, or pandemics — disproportionately impact those already facing systemic inequalities. Women, children, and marginalised communities are often the first to face loss of livelihoods, health risks, displacement, and disruptions to essential services. With the increasing frequency of climate-related and public health crises, it is essential to build disaster response and recovery systems that are inclusive, community-driven, and gender-responsive. When affected populations lead their own recovery, resilience is not only restored but deepened.

 

Our Approach

Utthan integrates emergency response with long-term recovery and local leadership building, ensuring that communities—especially women—are not just recipients of aid, but active participants in shaping solutions. We focus on immediate relief that is sensitive to local and gender-specific needs; community-led preparedness and risk reduction planning; restoration of livelihoods through sustainable, inclusive recovery processes; strengthening local systems by linking with governance institutions, SHGs, and federations; and providing psychosocial and safety support, especially for women and girls in the aftermath of disasters. Our response is always tailored, context-specific, and driven by the needs voiced by the communities themselves.

 

What We Do
Utthan provides timely emergency relief during disasters by distributing essential supplies in coordination with local bodies and volunteers. Its recovery efforts are gender-responsive, ensuring women’s needs—like menstrual hygiene and livelihood restoration—are prioritized. The organisation builds community preparedness through training SHGs, youth, and village committees, developing contingency plans and early warning systems. It helps restore and diversify incomes, especially for women-headed households, through agriculture and local enterprises. Utthan also engages with government institutions to align community priorities with official disaster response efforts.