With climate change and increased climatic variability there is a rising frequency and level of humanitarian need in the Horn of Africa. Research shows that, in recent times, the region has faced extraordinary challenges: a historic four-year drought gave way to devastating floods caused by El Niño, which affected approximately 1.6 million people between the end of 2023 and mid-2024. The INFORM Global Risk Index thereby ranks the region as one of the most disaster-prone areas with all the member states falling into the high-risk category. These disasters exacerbate existing vulnerabilities and inequalities, making effective disaster risk management (DRM) an urgent priority. Through robust M&E frameworks, policymakers and practitioners can track progress, identify gaps, and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response and recovery efforts. However, for M&E to truly support resilience-building in the Horn of Africa, it must incorporate gender perspectives, recognizing the different ways disasters impact men and women.

Gender-informed M&E acknowledges that disasters do not affect all individuals equally. Disasters tend to magnify existing gender inequalities and discrimination patterns. Men, women, girls, and boys all have different levels of vulnerability and adaptive capability, which is a reflection of gender and the socially assigned roles, associated with respective genders. Therefore, gender-informed M&E involves systematically incorporating gender considerations throughout the M&E processes, from data collection to analysis and reporting. This approach ensures that the different experiences, needs, and capacities of women, men, girls, and boys are recognized and addressed.

To integrate gender perspectives effectively into M&E for DRM, it is crucial to develop and utilize indicators that reflect these gender differences and measure the impact of DRM activities on various gender groups. These indicators should capture data on participation, access to resources, decision-making processes, and specific outcomes for both women and men. For instance, tracking the number of women participating in disaster preparedness training programs or the proportion of female-headed households receiving emergency relief supplies can provide valuable insights. This data helps identify disparities in participation and access, ensuring that DRM initiatives are inclusive and equitable by addressing the unique needs of different gender groups. For instance, in Ethiopia, gender-sensitive indicators have been integrated into drought response programs through the National Adaptation Plan revealing significant improvements in community resilience when women are actively involved. Similarly, in Somalia, disaggregated data has been utilized to improve flood management. By analyzing the data, practitioners identified that women were less likely to receive early warning messages due to lower literacy rates and lack of access to communication channels. This led to the implementation of tailored communication strategies, such as using community radio broadcasts in local languages, which significantly increased women’s awareness and response to flood warnings

In this context, the implementation of gender-sensitive Early Warning Systems (EWS) becomes particularly relevant. Effective gender-sensitive EWS rely on disaggregated data collection to assess how different gender groups access and utilize early warning information, which can highlight disparities in information dissemination and reception. By analyzing this data with a gender lens, M&E practitioners can identify specific barriers that women face, such as limited access to communication channels or lower literacy rates, which may hinder their ability to act on early warnings. This integration of gender-sensitive EWS into the M&E framework helps to ensure that early warning systems are inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of different gender groups, ultimately supporting more equitable and effective disaster risk management

Stakeholder engagement is another essential aspect of gender-informed M&E in DRM. However, IGAD’S Regional Strategy and Action Plan for Mainstreaming Gender in Disaster Risk Management and Climate Change Adaptation notes that gender parity is often lacking in the Horn of Africa resulting in gender-blind solutions that fail to address the specific needs of different groups. This further stresses the need for disaggregated data; to ensure that both women and men from diverse socio-economic backgrounds are represented in M&E activities in disaster contexts. This guarantees that action plans include clear indicators that promote gender equality, mitigate the risks of GBV and consequently encourage gender parity. For instance, if data shows that women are less likely to attend community disaster preparedness training, efforts can be made to address barriers to their participation, such as childcare responsibilities or cultural restrictions.

In conclusion, developing and using gender-sensitive indicators in DRM is not only about ensuring equity but also about enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of disaster management efforts. By systematically incorporating gender considerations into M&E processes, DRM initiatives can provide deeper insights into the specific needs and impacts on different gender groups, leading to more inclusive and resilient communities.