Background: Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction emphasises building local capacities for disaster risk management. We ask: What role did female frontline health workers (FFHWs) play in preparing, responding and managing health emergencies and how did information and communications technology (ICT) platforms hinder or facilitate their capacities?

Methods: This article presents FFHWs’ experiences in subnational and local health response to the COVID-19 pandemic in six states in India – Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala and Maharashtra – using semi-structured interviews and policy analysis. The data was thematically analysed, and studied within the government policies and guidelines to tackle the emerging concerns in COVID-19.

Results: Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to understand the role of FFHWs in preparing, responding and managing health emergencies and what factors aided or hindered their reliance on information and communications technology (ICT) platforms in this response. The study revealed underlying gender inequalities within the health system in terms of resources and opportunities available for the FFHWs in using ICT platforms. Although FFHWs were active within their communities in promptly providing response to COVID-19 they had multiple responsibilities and engaging with digital applications added to their work burden, extending to long hours.

Conclusions: DRR policies should reframe women's role as leaders in emergencies, and situate issues of equity, participation, representation in a gender-responsive health system. It is essential to recognise FFHWs' role inside the health system, improving their working conditions and enabling enhanced usage of ICT.