Breaking down gender barriers in humanitarian ICT

The conflict in Sudan has escalated food insecurity to unprecedented levels, with more than 20 million people now grappling with severe hunger. This dire situation has also displaced millions and decimated critical infrastructure while causing local food prices to soar.?

In response to this crisis, approximately 254,000 individuals from Sudan have sought refuge and assistance in southern Egypt. The World Food Programme (WFP) is harnessing digital technologies to enhance its ability to identify those in need, determine the specific types of assistance required, and expedite its delivery.

Today, as part of our #WomenInTech series, we introduce you to Maha Abuelsaud, MBA, ITIL , who plays a pivotal role in developing and implementing these innovative solutions for WFP. Her efforts empower WFP staff to respond swiftly and effectively to the escalating crisis in Sudan and beyond.

Can you introduce yourself? Where are you from, and what do you do for WFP?

I'm Maha Abuelsaud. I am an IT Operations Associate within WFP's Regional Bureau for the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Northern Africa. My primary responsibility is supporting regional and global teams using WFP's global identity management system, SCOPE.

Outside of my professional life, I'm a mother of three, all in their early school years. I originally hail from a small town approximately two hours away from Cairo by car. However, I relocated to Cairo after completing my university degree.

What does your work entail, and how does it support WFP's response?

WFP has been at the forefront of developing and continually improving digital solutions that enhance our ability to assist vulnerable populations effectively. These digital tools enable us to adapt the operational aspects of our programs, fortify security measures, and gain valuable insights to reduce risks and ensure the safety of the people we serve.

In my capacity, I play a pivotal role by collecting requirements, identifying scenarios where digital solutions can bolster our support for those in need, and actively contributing to the planning, design, and implementation of these solutions. Ultimately, this helps us deliver assistance more efficiently and effectively, reaching a greater number of people.

Can you describe your experience supporting WFP's response to regional crises? How has it been for you, personally and professionally?

I had the tremendous opportunity to support many country offices with digital tools during recent crises affecting communities across our region, both remotely and on-site.

In Ukraine, for example, I was part of the emergency response team that helped establish a digital assistance tool for families in need, enabling them to quickly access cash support that they can use to purchase goods at local markets.

More recently, I supported the Egypt Emergency Response team for Sudanese refugees, helping deploy a registration system that lets families register and redeem assistance in less than three minutes.

Here, you can gain valuable perspective on developing and adapting solutions to their specific contexts so that technology becomes a true catalyst of humanitarian assistance.

Working in an emergency, especially in a war zone, has given me massive experience professionally and personally. Working under pressure is a daily routine in these contexts, and your entire focus is on helping those in need.

Being in the field is the best hands-on training environment for humanitarians working with technology. Here, you can gain valuable perspective on developing and adapting solutions to their specific contexts so that technology becomes a true catalyst of humanitarian assistance.

Through these experiences, I have seen first-hand how WFP can save and change lives and how technology remains a critical enabler in that mission.

In both these examples, we see the significant impact of technology in enabling WFP to provide faster and more effective assistance. It was an incredible privilege to support teams with these solutions.

What is one experience you have that illustrates just how vital technology is to regional response strategies?

There are many, but the two that stick out to me the most are how we used technology to support families in Egypt and Ukraine, saving significant time and costs along the way.

In just 72 hours, our team in Egypt developed a custom-built solution that enables Sudanese refugee families to register and receive assistance in less than three minutes. It was a remarkable achievement and a true testament to the power of technology to accelerate WFP's response.

Moreover, teams can easily replicate this solution to support response in other contexts, as it doesn't require specialized hardware. It also operates in real-time so that data is collected, duplicate identities are removed, and people can get the support they need faster than ever.

In addition, WFP integrated its identity management platform in Ukraine with Western Union, allowing families to redeem cash assistance at any Western Union agent or bank using codes they received directly on their mobile phones.

In both these examples, we see the significant impact of technology in enabling WFP to provide faster and more effective assistance. It was an incredible privilege to support teams with these solutions.

What advice would you give to other young women looking to start their careers in humanitarian ICT?

For young women aspiring to launch their careers in humanitarian ICT, here is some valuable advice to consider:

Confidence and Self-Belief: Confidence is critical. In a field where you might find yourself in the minority, believing in your abilities and the unique perspective you bring is important. Be bold, speak up, and don't hesitate to share your ideas. Your voice and insights are valuable; don't let anyone undermine your confidence.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability: The world of humanitarian ICT is dynamic and ever-changing. Embrace a mindset of constant learning. Stay open to acquiring new skills and knowledge. Be adaptable and flexible in your approach as technology and methodologies evolve rapidly.

Passion for Humanitarian Work: To thrive in the humanitarian ICT field, a genuine passion for humanitarian causes is essential. Ensure that your work aligns with your values and passions. When you are truly invested in the projects you work on, it becomes easier to stay motivated and make a meaningful impact.

Show Initiative: Proactively seek opportunities to contribute. Volunteer for projects, take on challenges, and propose innovative solutions. Demonstrating initiative can help you stand out and showcase your dedication to the field.

From your perspective, how can WFP better support women working in the field?

Empowering women to reach their full potential in the workplace is critical; it helps WFP tap into more diverse perspectives, skills, and talents. Together, this can foster innovation and lead to more effective strategies and solutions to address food insecurity.

One way that WFP can better support women is by increasing gender equality training for staff. Emphasizing the importance of gender sensitivity and equity in all aspects of WFP's work and engaging male colleagues to support these efforts can create spaces for open dialogue and help women break through existing barriers.

By unlocking the full potential of women in the workplace, WFP can become all that more effective in its mission of achieving zero hunger.