Looking Back to 2023: Urgent Call for Action: Advocating for Gender-Inclusive Humanitarian Assistance Policies

Rooted in findings of a post-earthquake disaster in Pakistan in October 2005, Gender Concerns International advocates for the inclusion of women's needs assessment in early post-disaster evaluations by women's organisations and gender experts. As we transition into 2024, an urgent call for action was directed at the Dutch government, emphasising ongoing gender disparities in resource distribution during emergencies and post-disaster management. While the acknowledgement by the Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Committee to prioritise policies for vulnerable groups is a positive step, concerns persist about direct funding for local organisations representing marginalised groups. Despite the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ awareness of shortcomings, Gender Concerns International emphasises the need to move beyond dialogue and diplomacy, urging for more inclusive and localised approaches.

Gender Concerns International aims to pursue its commitment to addressing gender inequalities in humanitarian assistance amplifying its efforts to ensure the meaningful inclusion of international and local women-led organisations, fostering a more equitable and responsive approach to post-disaster gender impact.