The Role of Women in Humanitarian Development Celebrating Women’s Contributions on International Women’s Day

Written By: Byrone Buyu Wayodi

Introduction

The role of women in humanitarian development has gained significant recognition over the years, with increasing emphasis on their contributions to peacebuilding, disaster response, sustainable development, and resilience-building in communities affected by crises. Women play an essential role not only as beneficiaries of humanitarian aid but also as first responders, community mobilizers, and policy influencers in development programs (UN Women, 2020). Despite the growing acknowledgment of their impact, challenges such as gender biases, cultural limitations, and limited access to resources continue to impede their full participation in humanitarian efforts. This chapter explores the contributions of women in humanitarian development, examines existing policies and frameworks that promote gender inclusion, and discusses strategies for strengthening women’s role in the sector.

2.2 The Role of Women in Humanitarian Development

Women’s contributions in humanitarian development span multiple sectors, from disaster response and conflict resolution to economic recovery and social resilience. According to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Gender in Humanitarian Action Framework, women's involvement in relief efforts strengthens the efficiency and impact of aid programs, ensuring that interventions are more inclusive and sustainable (IASC, 2017).

2.2.1 Women as First Responders

Women are often the first responders in humanitarian crises, providing essential services such as caregiving, emergency relief, and community coordination (Oxfam, 2019). In many disaster-prone regions, women-led grassroots organizations are at the forefront of crisis response, delivering lifesaving aid, mobilizing local resources, and advocating for community needs. For example, during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016), women health workers played a critical role in disseminating health information, managing household care, and ensuring cultural sensitivity in disease prevention efforts (WHO, 2018).

2.2.2 Women in Disaster Recovery and Resilience-Building

Beyond immediate response, women contribute to long-term recovery and resilience-building in affected communities. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) recognizes gender-responsive approaches as critical in disaster resilience planning (UNDRR, 2015). Research has shown that when women are involved in post-disaster rebuilding, communities recover faster and develop more sustainable recovery strategies. For instance, in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, women in Sri Lanka took leadership in rebuilding homes, restoring local economies, and strengthening early warning systems to mitigate future disasters (UNDP, 2016).

2.2.3 Women in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution

Women are key actors in peacebuilding processes, often acting as mediators and advocates for conflict resolution. The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (2000) acknowledges the importance of women’s participation in conflict resolution and peace negotiations. Empirical studies highlight that when women are involved in peace talks, agreements are 35% more likely to last at least 15 years (UN Women, 2017). In countries such as Liberia and Rwanda, women-led peace movements have contributed significantly to national reconciliation efforts and post-conflict reconstruction (Tripp, 2015).

2.2.4 Women in Economic Recovery and Livelihood Programs

Economic empowerment is a fundamental component of humanitarian development, and women’s participation in income-generating activities enhances resilience and self-sufficiency. Women-led savings groups, microfinance programs, and vocational training initiatives have been instrumental in rebuilding economies in crisis-affected regions (CARE International, 2021). In Uganda, the Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) model has empowered thousands of women in refugee settlements to start businesses and support their families, reducing aid dependency and fostering economic independence (IRC, 2020).

2.3 Policies and Frameworks Promoting Women’s Participation in Humanitarian Development

International policies and frameworks play a critical role in advancing gender equality in humanitarian action. Several global initiatives focus on ensuring women’s inclusion and leadership in disaster response and development programs.

2.3.1 The Sphere Standards on Gender and Protection

The Sphere Handbook (2018) integrates gender and protection considerations into humanitarian response, advocating for gender-sensitive needs assessments, equitable resource distribution, and protection against gender-based violence (GBV) in emergencies (Sphere, 2018). These standards guide aid organizations in designing programs that are inclusive and responsive to the unique needs of women and girls.

2.3.2 The Grand Bargain and Gender-Responsive Humanitarian Financing

The Grand Bargain (2016), a global agreement to improve humanitarian aid efficiency, emphasizes increased funding for local women-led organizations in crisis response. It encourages direct financing mechanisms that empower women to lead and implement community-based interventions (ICVA, 2019).

2.3.3 The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Gender Equality

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development underscores gender equality as a prerequisite for achieving all SDGs, particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities (UNDP, 2020). Humanitarian projects aligned with SDG frameworks prioritize gender-transformative programming, ensuring that women benefit equally from development interventions.

2.4 Challenges to Women’s Full Participation in Humanitarian Development

Despite the progress made in gender mainstreaming, several barriers continue to limit women’s full engagement in humanitarian action.

2.4.1 Cultural and Social Norms

In many societies, traditional gender roles restrict women’s mobility, decision-making power, and leadership opportunities in disaster response and development programs. For example, in Yemen, women’s participation in humanitarian aid delivery is constrained by restrictive gender norms, limiting their access to affected populations (OCHA, 2021).

2.4.2 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Humanitarian Settings

Conflict and disaster-affected communities often experience increased GBV risks, with women facing threats such as sexual violence, forced marriage, and exploitation. Research indicates that one in three women globally experience GBV in crisis situations (UNHCR, 2021). Addressing these risks requires integrating protection measures into all humanitarian interventions.

2.4.3 Limited Representation in Leadership Roles

Although women play a critical role in humanitarian response, they remain underrepresented in decision-making positions within international aid organizations. Only 29% of leadership roles in humanitarian agencies are held by women (ALNAP, 2020), highlighting the need for more inclusive leadership structures.

2.5 Strategies for Strengthening Women’s Role in Humanitarian Development

To maximize the impact of women’s contributions in humanitarian settings, organizations and policymakers must implement strategies that promote gender inclusion.

Increase Investment in Women-Led Organizations – Providing direct funding to women’s groups ensures that humanitarian aid reaches those who need it most.

Enhance Capacity-Building Initiatives – Training women in disaster risk management, leadership, and economic resilience strengthens their ability to lead recovery efforts.

Integrate Gender in Humanitarian Action Plans – Developing gender-sensitive policies and implementation frameworks ensures that women’s needs and contributions are adequately addressed.

Foster Male Allyship and Community Buy-In – Engaging men and traditional leaders in gender advocacy helps break down cultural barriers that restrict women’s participation.

Strengthen Data Collection on Gender Impact – Using sex-disaggregated data and gender-focused M&E tools ensures that humanitarian programs are evidence-based and accountable.

2.6 Conclusion

Women are essential to humanitarian development, playing key roles in crisis response, resilience-building, peace processes, and economic recovery. While policies and frameworks continue to advocate for gender inclusivity, persistent barriers must be addressed to enhance women’s full participation in the sector. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, there is a renewed call to action to invest in gender-transformative humanitarian interventions that empower women as leaders, innovators, and agents of change.

These can be achieved through strategies that includes; strengthening policy implementation, funding mechanisms, and community engagement, so as to harness the full potential of women in building sustainable, resilient societies.