Celebrating the Role of Women as Agents of Transformation in Humanitarian Settings

More than 135.7 million people around the world need humanitarian assistance today . Women and children constitute more than 75 per cent of the refugees and displaced persons at risk of war, famine, persecution and natural disaster. As an urgent matter both of principle and effectiveness, humanitarian efforts must recognize the rights, roles and agency of women and girls. It is critical that their needs and vulnerabilities are prioritized, and their voices included in decision-making regarding the forms of assistance, means of delivery, and the protection and economic and social empowerment opportunities they require. The IASC Policy on Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Humanitarian Action recognizes that gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment is a critical component of achieving effective and life-saving humanitarian action. The discussion will be hosted as a TED-style storytelling event, bringing together women to share their stories and reflect on their roles in local communities and refugee settings, the challenges they face and the solutions they promote with a view to contributing to social cohesion and resilience.