Odi Live Events Podcast

Nearly 132 million people worldwide are in need of assistance and protection due to conflict, persecution and disasters. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by crises, and are at higher risk of violence, abuse, neglect and discrimination. The specific humanitarian needs of women and girls are often inadequately identified nor addressed in humanitarian responses by governments and agencies. They are also at far greater risk of losing their livelihoods and are exposed to a heightened risk of gender-based violence. A targeted response towards the needs of women and girls must go beyond protection and include meaningful inclusion and participation in all stages of decision-making, from the local to the most senior levels. We must actively challenge the humanitarian system to work better and create more spaces and initiatives that allow women and girls to realise their potential and contribute to the solutions they need to prosper. Evidence shows that when women are included in humanitarian action the