International Women's Day

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Women leading emergency response: a path of learning and empowerment in the Red Cross

Paula Vairoletti joined the Uruguayan Red Cross as communications manager in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an all-hands-on-deck moment that required everyone to wear many hats as they responded to rapidly changing events.Very soon, she was working closely with disaster and risk-management departments and getting more involved in field operations.As time went on, she went further in leading field operations. In 2022, soon after she took up the role of coordinator for integrated risk and disaster management, Uruguay suffered an intense and prolongued drought. Backed by funding from a rapid allocation from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the Uruguayan Red Cross mobilized quickly.This was Paula's first time leading a team in an emergency and the response put a special focus on continued assessment and awareness of community needs. As she saw how the recovery process unfolded, the experience reinforced her belief in the importance of having women in leading operational roles.“Having women in operations, let alone in leadership roles, changes the way humanitarian assistance is delivered to women and girls in communities affected by disasters and emergencies," she says.When women lead community engagement processes, she notes, the needs of women and girls in vulnerable situations are more likely to be heard and addressed. These include critical daily concerns such as safety, menstrual hygiene or differentiated attention to pregnant and lactating women.Shortly after the operation was completed, Paula worked as an intern at the IFRC regional office in Panama, alongside the IFRC-DREF management team, an experience that has further solidified her development within the IFRC network.The internship was part of something called the Equity and Leadership Initiative, implemented jointly by the IFRC and the Spanish Agency for International Developent Cooperation.Launched in 2020, the programme’s goal is clear: to increase the number of women in humanitarian leadership positions in the Americas.“The internship helped me a lot to see many situations from the other side, to get to know the work areas, to know how the IFRC mechanisms work, to get to know the teams and to be able to contribute knowledge and experience from the perspective of a local Red Cross team," says Paula.As part of this alliance, the IFRC office for the Americas is promoting a program to host volunteers or staff from National Red Cross Societies as interns.The purpose of these internships is twofold: to strengthen the capacity of the local Red Cross teams in each country and to develop the leadership skills of the people who are part of the IFRC’s global Surge mechanism.The Surge mechanism is the way the IFRC’s global humanitarian network deploys specialized rapid response personnel when there is a need to scale-up the response to a medium- or large-scale disaster.It means people like Paula continue to develop and also share knowledge with others. In addition to building technical capacity, the internships promotes professional and personal development that allows participants to use all their knowledge and skills to alleviate human suffering.Grow to leadGrettel Perez also took part in the internship programme. As national director of the emergency first response corps for the Panamanian Red Cross, Grettel joined the Panamanian Red Cross as a volunteer first responder almost 30 years ago, driven by the desire to serve and save lives. Today she leads one of the most important technical corps of the organization.“The fact that I won the position of national director of the emergency first-response corps – after 53 years in which there had never been a woman – marked a very big milestone within the unit and the institution,”she says proudly.Grettel is also president of the local committee of the Panamanian Red Cross in Chepo, and national focal point for mental health and psychosocial support, as she is not only a Red Cross volunteer, but also a clinical psychologist by profession.Grettel was an intern in the IFRC disaster management unit in August 2023. According to her, the internship allowed her to strengthen her personal leadership and broaden her perspective on what emergency management entails.“In developing actions on the ground, our vision of what needs to be done has grown, it's not the same as it was before,”Grettel reflects. “The internship has opened opportunities for us and has given us the vision to work more closely with people in the communities”.Grettel's trajectory is a clear example that when women lead, they bring a comprehensive approach that incorporates care and considers the specific needs of each person.“In my team, there are mothers and sometimes they say that they can't attend the courses because they don't have anyone to leave their children with,” explains Grettel. “In response to this, we create separate spaces where children can spend the day so that women don't miss out the opportunity to receive training”.“I try all the time to include these safe spaces in the activities we do. We have competencies, we just need to create the conditions to exercise them.”This approach not only allows more women to participate in training but also breaks down stigmas about gender roles and demonstrates that being a mother is not incompatible with leading humanitarian responses.A network that supports and multipliesBehind every woman leader is a support network that has grown over the years.As Paula says, "we talk a lot about the network of women that is created around emergencies, programs and operations. We all connect with each other, and in the end, your friends' friends are your friends”.This network not only provides emotional support, but is also a source of knowledge and professional support. As Paula mentions, sometimes all it takes is a phone call or a message to clear up a doubt or get advice.For all women who dream of leadership, the message from these admirable leaders is clear and powerful:"We have to encourage each other, throw ourselves into the puddle,"says Paula with a laugh. “If you put your mind to it, if you want to do it, do it, you will have a whole network of women who will support you and be your biggest cheerleaders.”“The first thing is to believe in yourself. When you believe in yourself, you strengthen who you are and that is how you can conquer the world,” Grettel concludes. “Sometimes the journey is tiring, but the satisfaction of achieving our goals is priceless. In the end, what we experience and go through along the way is dwarfed by what we accomplish.”Read more recent International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping othersHow investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the AmericasInternational Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’

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International Women’s Day: In Cameroon’s Far North region, mothers’ clubs provide a model for building a healthier, more prosperous future

In a region where diseases such as cholera and malaria continue to pose a significant risk to life, mothers’ clubs are providing communities with essential information on health and hygiene, while also looking out for signs of potential health problems or outbreaks."In the past, many women did not understand the importance of vaccination, menstrual hygiene, or prenatal consultations,”says Tchinabi Thérèse, president of the Kodek mothers' club and mother of six children.“Today, thanks to the training provided by the Red Cross, we know how to explain these topics to our community and convince them to adopt good practices."The work of the mothers’ clubs goes beyond issues of health. They work with local parents, for example, to allow young girls to stay in school and they support a wide range of income-generating projects that provide women with their reliable sources of revenue.The projects include a community farm that grows millet and cowpeas, a project in which members produce artisanal oils (sesame, balanites, moringa), a farm that raises sheep and many other initiatives.The activities are supported by something called theProgrammatic Partnership,a multi-year partnership between the IFRC, member National Societies and theEuropean Union to help communities worldwide be better prepared for disasters and health emergencies.Supporting safe and healthy communitiesIn Cameroon’s Far North, the results are tangible: local health authorities report that more women are now regularly visiting their local health centre, hospital births have increased, and proper hygiene practices are becoming widespread.“This initiative has helped a great deal in the Kodek health area,”explains Manasse Kouchakbe, midwife and Interim Head of the Kodek Health Centre. “Mothers’ clubs have been very helpful in raising awareness in households and they also help us to identify diseases with epidemic potential in the communities.“Take malaria – through sensitization, volunteers have increased community members’ use of insecticide-treated bed nets. Now, the number of malaria cases has dropped significant.”In emergency health situations, the mothers’ clubs also mobilize."When a child was bitten by a dog, we immediately alerted the Red Cross and advised the mother on the necessary actions,”says Aïssatou Dahirou, president of the Dougoï mothers' club. “Thanks to this quick intervention, the child received timely medical care."With the support of the Red Cross, these women are not simply recipients of humanitarian aid; they have become public health advocates within their own communities.Promoting equality, education and empowermentBeyond their role in addressing health and hygiene issues, the mothers’ clubs are also helping to empower women – particularly young women and girls – to have more control over their future and well-being.One of the major challenges, for example, is the continued practice of early marriage, in which girls are married before they are able to finish school. To help change these practices, the Red Cross and the mothers' clubs are actively working together to change community attitudes and convince families to let girls finish their education. "In the past, girls were married off at 12 or 13 years old,”explains Aïssatou Dahirou, president of the Dougoï mothers' club. “Today, thanks to awareness efforts, more and more families are allowing their daughters to continue their education."Supported by the Red Cross, the mothers' clubs organize awareness sessions in schools and neighborhoods to encourage parents to keep their daughters in school. Their message: an educated girl can help lift her entire family out of poverty.One of those parents, Soureya, did in fact change her thinking on the issue after visiting with the Kodek mothers' club."I had to drop out of school in my first year of primary middle class,”she says. “Today, I want my daughters to go further than I did. Thanks to the Red Cross, I have understood the importance of education, and I do everything I can to keep my kids in school."Supporting women’s economic empowermentThe Cameroon Red Cross and the mothers’ clubs also supporting the economic empowerment of women through a support program for Income-Generating Activities (IGAs), enabling the mothers' clubs to develop local economic initiatives.In Kodek, women cultivate a community farm, growing millet and cowpeas, ensuring a stable source of income.In Dougoï, they have established a production of artisanal oils (sesame, balanites, moringa).They have also launched a sheep farming project, made possible by 600,000 FCFA in funding provided by the Red Cross."We started with five sheep, and today we have managed to expand our flock. After the Feast of the Sacrifice, we will sell our animals and generate profits," explains Aïssatou Dahirou.However, challenges remain, feeding the animals is costly, and the women still lack sufficient equipment to strengthen their activities. Despite these obstacles, they remain determined to expand their IGAs and ensure their financial autonomy.With Red Cross support, they are not only becoming economically independent but also strengthening their role in decision-making within their households and communities.

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International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’

Born in a rural, farming area insouthern Zambia,Patricia Choongo Moolo was onlythree years old when she woke one day with a very high temperature. She was also unable to walk or talk.Her mother took her to the nearest clinic, five kilometers away, where she was diagnosed with polio. From that time on, she lost the use of both of her legs.As a result, Patricia has had to face and overcome many significant challenges: discrimination, financial hardships,limited access to education, and the social exclusion caused by deeply ingrained social stigma.Her parents’ friends and family, for example, discouraged them from sending Patricia to school, saying that she could never be good at anything. Fortunately, Patricia’s parents refused to take this advice. They stood up for their daughter and ensured she finished her schooling.Now, many years later, 49-year old Patricia is a widely respected member of the community, known as a courageous advocate for women's empowerment.In fact, she has emerged as a leading voice in her community, playing and active and important role in shoring up her community’s preparedness and resilience to natural disasters and health emergencies.Her journey from social exclusion to the heart of community life, she says, was given a significant boost in recent years by a project that ensures marginalized people – including people with disabilities – have a voice and role in crisis preparedness."Due to my disability and low self-esteem, I was previously unable to participate in community meetings,” she says.“With the introduction of this project, I experienced a profound sense of belonging and empowerment.”The project she refers to is part of a larger, global collaboration (known asThe Programmatic Partnership) between the IFRC, many of its member National Societies, and the European Union.According to Patricia, the initiative enabled her to actively engage in local development efforts and contribute meaningfully to decisions being made in her community. For example, she serves as representative for individuals living with disabilities to her local disaster management committee.In that role, she participates in disaster management training sessions and in community sensitization activities. During the End Cholera Now campaign, she went door-to-door with hygiene and prevention information and she goes through neighbourhoods regularly to spread awareness about early warning systems, and reducing flood risks.‘A disability does not mean an in-ability’At the same time, Patricia also works to supports herself and her family. She works in the fields picking and selling produce on local roadsides. She also sells stones for building projects that she breaks up herself by hand.To do her daily work, Patricia has two wheelchairs, the standard one and a tricycle wheelchair that can go over rough terrain. She uses that one for field work.On a day-to-day basis, Patricia often interacts with many people, including some that have a disabilities, and she encourages by saying that “a disability does not mean an in-ability”."My disability enables me to reach out to many people, and especially to those with a disability,”she says. “They get encouraged after seeing me, and appreciate that when you are determined, you can accomplish anything”.About the partnership project: Beyond participationThe partnership in Zambia includes the European Union, the Zambia Red Cross Society, the IFRC and the Netherlands Red Cross. Much of its work is done through Satellite Disaster Management Committees, which function as part of Zambia’s Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit.A key element of the initiative centers around involving local voices in every step of the planning and implementation of disaster-preparedness and risk-reduction actions. This ensures that any actions taken address the specific needs of the community.This also ensures the community is connecting with the national government. Committee members include community leaders, ex-government representatives, local stakeholders, and people from vulnerable groups. Special attention is paid to women, children and people with disabilities.But the programme goes a step further. Inclusion efforts involve concrete actions to remove physical, social, and economic barriers that hinder people with disabilities from fully participating. This is done through community discussions, storytelling, awareness raising, and by involving people with disabilities in all aspects of the work.Overcoming stigmas and doubtsAt first, Patricia faced resistance from some community members who doubted her ability to take on this role. But Patricia persevered. By engaging with her community, she was able to successfully challenge misconceptions and stigmas.But taking on these issues is not an easy challenge. In many parts of Zambia, women and girls – especially those with disabilities – face compounded challenges. These include greater risks of gender-based violence, economic marginalization, and a lack of access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.Many women with disabilities continue to struggle against entrenched gender norms that limit their autonomy and access to resources, while economic dependency also hinders the full participation of many women with disabilities.For many women with disabilities, this exclusion is even more pronounced, as they are often denied marriage prospects, inheritance rights, and the ability to fully participate in economic life. These harmful practices have long-lasting effects, leaving many women with disabilities economically vulnerable and socially isolated.In addition, there are many structural barriers such as limited physical accessibility in public spaces, lack of assistive devices.Despite the many structural barriers, Patricia says as long as she has her tricycle and determination, and the confidence and trust that the community has in her, she can accomplish any assignments given."I have become a role model for many women who may hesitate to actively participate in community meetings and activities,”she says. “By taking the initiative myself, I aim to show that if I can do it, they can too—regardless of their circumstances."Read our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping othersHow investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas

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Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping others

Cho Cho Aye and Phu Ngon Wai have been best friends since childhood.Now both at 26 years old, they share more than just childhood memories; they share a deep commitment to humanitarian service as volunteers at the Kyite Ma Yaw Township Red Cross Branch in Mon State.Their journey with the Red Cross began in 2014, right after completing high school and attending a Red Cross basic training session in their community. Beyond their humanitarian work, Cho is a tailor who designs and makes clothes, while Phu runs an online business selling women's apparel.A shared commitmentThey also share a deep commitment to supporting their community through their humanitarian volunteer work. And they share a first-hand understanding of the severe impacts that climate-related crises like storms and floods can have on people and communities.Cho vividly recalls one harrowing experience during the floods in June 2024.“The ground floor of my house was flooded, and my family was trapped inside,”she recalls. “I couldn’t go out, but I was certain my friends were out there, rescuing people. Compared to other houses, mine was still in good condition. As soon as I got in contact with them, I joined the rescue efforts, evacuating flooded neighbors and distributing food and water”.“It’s about recognizing the unseen efforts … I always try to be the one who can give support so that they can live without relying on anyone.”Myanmar Red Cross volunteer Phu Ngon WaiMyanmar is one of the most disaster-prone countries in Asia. During the monsoon season from May to October, the country is particularly vulnerable to widespread flooding and landslides, affecting thousands of people. In fact, nearly 95 per cent of the country’s total annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon season, often accompanied by tropical storms.In July 2024, heavy monsoon rains caused multiple rivers and waterways to overflow, leading to severe flooding throughout the country. This unprecedented flooding claimed lives and affected more than 100,000 people in both rural and urban areas across the country.The Myanmar Red Cross Society and the IFRC responded quickly. With support from an 825,000 Swiss franc allocation the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF), the Myanmar Red Cross Society provided both immediate relief and early recovery assistancein the most affected areas.“Seeing their smiles makes us happy. It’s this Red Cross mindset that keeps us moving forward – to be there for the people who need us the most.”Myanmar Red Cross volunteer Cho Cho AyeThese disasters frequently lead to mass displacement in villages and towns, particularly in low-lying areas like Kyite Ma Yaw Township in Mon State, southeast Myanmar, where Cho and Phu’s neighbourhood of 100 homes is located.As part of a team of dedicated Red Cross youth volunteers, the majority of Cho and Phu’s work now involves engaging with local communities to prepare before disaster strikes.Both of these volunteers have spent much of their lives building skills to stay safe, change their community and thrive. Throughout their Red Cross journey, for example, they have received extensive training in first aid and water rescue skills that are crucial during emergency responses.“I grew up swimming, so I’m not afraid of water. This is my strength. I believe that if men can do it, women can, too,” Cho said with confidence.They both share a strong belief that women play a key role as leaders in community empowerment. “There’s a saying, ‘Behind every great man is a great woman.”says Phu. “But why behind? There’s a gap. It’s about recognizing the unseen efforts. Not just for our community but for my colleagues and friends, I always try to be the one who can give support so that they can live without relying on anyone. Support should go both ways.”Whether it’s rescuing people during floods or delivering essential supplies, Cho and Pu never hesitate to answer the call for help, be it from the Red Cross branch or other charity groups. Their dedication has made them well-known and respected within the township.“When we deliver food to their homes, they’re already waiting at the door,” says Cho. “Seeing their smiles makes us happy. It’s this Red Cross mindset that keeps us moving forward – to be there for the people who need us the most.”While Cho dreams of becoming a fashion designer and Phu aims to expand her online business, their commitment to humanitarian work remains unwavering.“We are determined to continue volunteering with the Red Cross for as long as we live,” she says.Their dedication has strengthened the Kyite Ma Yaw Township Red Cross Branch, inspiring others to join. Today, their branch has grown to 20 volunteers, with many young women stepping forward to become humanitarians.“I believe that together, we can build a more inclusive and empowered future!” Phu said.How can you get involved?Learn more about volunteering within the IFRC NetworkLearn more about disaster preparedness efforts within the IFRC networkLearn more about International Women’s Day at the IFRCRead our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’How investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas

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International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible’

Rania had always envisioned owning a hair salon—a place filled with the scent of fresh hair products, the sound of scissors snipping, and the satisfaction of seeing her clients leave with smiles on their faces. But for a long time, that dream seemed out of reach.Starting with nothing, Rania faced obstacles that made progress feel impossible. Without adequate equipment, financial stability, or a proper workspace, she struggled to move forward. Still, she refused to let go of her passion.Everything changed when she learned about a small business support program through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). Seeing it as a rare opportunity, she applied with hope, and when she was approved, it felt like a turning point. With the first round of financial aid, she carefully selected the essentials—scissors, clippers, hair dyes, and styling products—gradually bringing her dream to life.The opportunity came at a critical time. People displaced by 13 years of hostilities are now looking to return.The humanitarian needs were already significantand continue to grow as people returnonlyto find homes and infrastructure badly damaged or destroyed.For this reason, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal to support the Syrian Arab Red Crescent’s efforts to provide life-saving assistance to 5 million people across Syria.And even with the first small grant from the Red Crescent, there were still many challenges ahead for Rania. Just as her business was gaining momentum, a new challenge arose—frequent power outages.“I was the only one without a generator,” she recalled. “Whenever the electricity went out, I had to stop working. Clients would leave, and I couldn’t do anything about it.”Determined not to let setbacks define her, Rania used a second round of support from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to invest in a battery and solar panel. With her brother’s help, she set up a reliable power source, ensuring that her salon could remain open even during long blackouts. That decision changed everything.Her business flourished, customers increased, and she finally earned enough to rent her own shop. More than just financial success, she gained recognition and trust within her community. No longer just a hairdresser, she became an inspiration to others.“At first, I was afraid,” Rania admitted, “but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.”Hasna’s journey of strength and independenceNot far from Rania, another woman was building something of her own. Like Rania, Hasna knew the weight of struggle. But she also knew that giving up was never an option.Hasna had always believed in moving forward, no matter how difficult life became. “There’s no room for despair,” she would say. “I had to keep going—to work, to learn, to build something better.”“I no longer rely on anyone—I stand on my own feet.”Hasna, business owner, mother and household provider.In the past, she spent money without much thought, never considering savings or investment. “I didn’t have a plan,” she admitted. That changed when she attended a financial management training organized by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent that introduced her to budgeting, profit calculation, and smarter financial habits.What started as small, careful steps soon turned into real progress. Hasna launched a modest business from home, buying and reselling products. Over time, as she applied her newfound financial skills, her business grew. But more than just an income source, it gave her confidence, purpose, and a sense of independence.“I no longer rely on anyone—I stand on my own feet,” she said with pride. “Nothing makes me happier than hearing them call me ‘Teta.’”Beyond financial stability, Hasna also discovered the power of knowledge and support. Through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, she participated in legal awareness sessions, psychological support programs, and women’s empowerment groups.“These sessions changed my mindset,” she shared. “We learned things that lifted us—not just financially, but emotionally too. I only wish I had found them earlier.”For Hasna, the encouragement she received was just as important as the financial help. Even on difficult days, attending those sessions gave her strength.“No matter how I felt walking in, I always left feeling stronger,” she reflected. “That support changed my life.”Now, she has a message for other women facing struggles:“Never stop pushing forward,”she says. “Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or single, stand on your own feet and keep going. Things get better with time and effort. I started small, but I’m not stopping here. This isn’t just about making a living—it’s about building something that lasts. And trust me, the more you put in, the more life gives back.”Get involved:Support the IFRC’s emergency appeal for Syria.Learn more about livelihoods programming throughout the IFRC network.Read our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping othersHow investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas

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Ani Gevorgyan: Communities and youth should drive the global climate-change agenda

Ani Gevorgyan started wearing the red vest when she was 14 years old and she signed up to bring joy, art and activity into the lives of refugee children. Two years later, the young volunteer for the Armenian Red Cross was organizing “eco-runs” in which people combined physical activity with environmental clean-ups. Now, as an IFRC Climate Champion, she spreads the word about climate action at high-level summits like COP-28, where she says local communities and youth need to be driving the agenda.

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Volunteers go the distance to bring water and health to remote Nepali mountain villages

Part 1 in a series of stories for World Water Day: Friday 22 March.By Shriluna Shrestha and Rachel PunithaFor Nepal Red Cross volunteer Muna, the steep, winding paths of rural Nepal have become somewhat of a regular commute. She treks to remote areas to educate communities, particularly women and children, about hygiene and sanitation practices that can keep them safe from communicable diseases.“Even though it takes me around four to five hours of walking to reach the school at the top of the hill, this doesn’t trouble me,” she says. “All my weariness fades away when I finally meet the children and the community."Muna’s health and hygiene sessions for schoolchildren, adolescents and mothers’ groups focus on handwashing, personal and menstrual hygiene, and community sanitation.She extends her impact by training female community health volunteers,appointed by the government, who then play a crucial role in delivering health and hygiene sessions in their own communities.One of those women community health volunteers is Indira.“In the session, we educate mothers about health and hygiene practices and thoroughly discuss their health-related issues,” Indira says. “They are curious and practicing what they have learned.”“The training helped me enhance my skills, and I learned to deliver the session to diverse groups,” she adds.In the early stages of the project, Muna and the Nepal Red Cross team faced significant challenges. It took a lot of work to convince local people to alter their hygiene and sanitation practices.But the Red Cross team made continuous efforts to build trust. They enrolled local-level authorities, formed community-based committees and organized activities to engage people and get their input.Their efforts yielded positive results. Once-reluctant communities have now become enthusiastic supporters.“I enjoy participating in community and health sessions conducted as part of this initiative,” says Nirmaya, one of the participants. “Such gatherings bring women together, providing a platform for sharing experiences and mutual learning.“For us, these sessions are like a respite from household responsibilities. It allows us to engage in insightful discussions on various health and hygiene topics."“A simple change in health habits can lead to a healthy life. That’s my biggest learning from the sessions.”One house, one tapAs Muna and her team focus on hygiene and behavioral changes, the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) team of the Nepal Red Cross takes charge of another vital component of the program—ensuring access to clean drinking water for every household in the district.Aligned with the government’s “Ek dhara, ek ghar” campaign — which translates to “one house, one tap” — the Nepal Red Cross, IFRC, British Red Cross, Finnish Red Cross and Hong Kong Red Cross each play a role in supporting the initiative.In short, here’s how it works. The Nepal Red Cross works with local authorities and the community through a co-funding approach. The IFRC contributes 60 per cent of the investment for materials such as pipelines, taps and cement and it offers technical assistance and trainings to enhance the skills needed to complete the project.The remaining 20 per cent of financial support is from local authorities, while the other 20 per cent is sourced from the communities through labor contributions and maintenance efforts.As of now, more than 250 households within the Okhaldhunga district have access to outdoor running taps, eliminating the need for women and children to go on lengthy walks to fetch water.A growing impactThese water, sanitation and hygiene projects in Nepal have been implemented in three districts—Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, and Sindhuli — in the eastern part of the country. Here are the results so far:• Over 9,000 people in the districts benefit from health and hygiene sessions.• More than 700 households now have access to drinking water.• Six schools, two health posts, and one local authority office have water stations on their premises.• 37 people, including eight female participants, have received skill development training on plumbing and maintenance.“Easy access to water has improved our daily lives, saving us time previously spent on fetching water,” saysJeena, a community member who built one of the water taps with support from the Nepal Red Cross. “Now, we can efficiently use water to cultivate vegetables in our backyard and maintain a cleaner environment and better hygiene.”

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For these two humanitarians in Madagascar, investing in women means breaking gender barriers and stigmas

At just 23 years old, Valisoa Liesse Razafisalama is already making a significant impact as a third-year communication student at the Madagascar’s National Tele-Education Center and a dedicated volunteer with the Malagasy Red Cross.Through her involvement in the National Disaster Response Team (NDRT), Valisoa has gained valuable experience raising awareness and providing training following recent tropical storms.However, it has been her initiative to challenge societal norms surrounding menstruation that truly showcased her dedication to breaking down barriers.“As members of the Red Cross movement, active in the humanitarian sector, we advocate for greater recognition of the role of women,” says Valisoa, who is among the roughly 42 percent of Malagasy Red Cross NDRT staff who are women.“We encourage the equitable inclusion of women in community decision-making, breaking with the trend of prioritizing men. We persist in our efforts because as women volunteers, we make significant contributions to the well-being of the communities where we operate.” Not just a women’s issueValisoa observed a prevailing trend where men in her community showed disinterest in discussions about menstruation, viewing it solely as a women's issue. Determined to change this perspective, she organised awareness sessions for both men and women, emphasising the natural and normal aspects of menstruation.By fostering a shared understanding within the community, Valisoa contributed to eliminating the stigmas associated with menstruation and promoting gender equality.In many post disaster situations, fear of talking about menstruation or other health issues can mean that women simply do not get full attention and care they need to stay healthy.Challenging cultural stereotypes With a background in biodiversity and the environment, and extensive experience in humanitarian work, 33-year-old Lova Arsène Linà Ravelohasindrazana exemplifies resilience and determination in challenging gender stereotypes.Working as a project manager for the Malagasy Red Cross, Lova oversees interventions in the Anosy region, were cultural barriers often hinder women's participation in leadership roles.Despite facing resistance, Lova actively promotes women's empowerment, ensuring their involvement in decision-making and community initiatives.Seven percent of decision makers on the National Society’s management team are women and Lova is among them."During interventions, whether it's in the communities or among the people I supervise, the culture still makes it difficult for them to accept women that lead,” she says. “As a project manager, there are times when I can feel it most.“But I also try to understand how these communities in which I work function. How I can make them more aware of what I and others can bring, how to better approach things and what are the approaches to avoid offending people's sensitivities in relation to their culture.” Lova's dedication to advocating for women's rights extends beyond her professional life. She also educates women about their rights and encourages their active participation in various initiatives, contributing to a more equitable society.

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International Women's Day

For International Women’s Day in 2025, we unite around the theme“For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”The time is now to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all, ensuring that no one is left behind. Join the call, spread the word (#ForAllWomenAndGirls), and read the stories below featuring inspiring women and their IFRC Network allies around the world.

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Article

Investing in women means ‘access to resources to overcome challenges’

Gloria Lombo knows what it takes to rise to the highest level of humanitarian leadership in her country, and she understands the critical importance of protecting women during crisis.As Secretary General of the Red Cross of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she is just as comfortable in a business suit as she is in a hard hat, with a shovel in her hand, or handing out aid supplies.From her years as an acvitist and volunteer, she also understands people power and has the skills and experience to inspire other humanitarians.Can you tell us a personal story or a situation in which you managed to break ‘feminine’ stereotypes or social expectations?Of course I can. In Africa, and in the DRC in particular, any professional promotion for women is attributed to what is commonly called "the promotion couch", which means going out with your superior or your boss instead of meritocracy.It is possible to break through this thinking, and my case illustrates this, which is why I feel comfortable sharing my personal experience.My professional career at the Red Cross of the DRC began in 2014 as Head of the Gender and Youth Division, and then the Gender and Diversity division, where I ensured the involvement and balanced representation of women, young people and minorities in the activities implemented by the Red Cross of the DRC.Then, in mid 2019, [I served] as director in charge of General Services (Administration and Logistics) and 2020 as Director of Programmes and Partnership. Since December 2022, I have been serving as Secretary General.This was all achieved because people could follow my track record of professionalism, acquired experience and capacities. The choice of personnel for the current position is also subject to tests and evaluations of certain objective criteria by the National Society’s Management Committee.Is there anything you do in your daily life, whether at work or in your private life, to defend women's rights?I'm a human rights activist, a defender of women's and girls' rights, a facilitator and a multi-disciplinary trainer on different themes such as prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual and gender-based violence.I help women and girls to discover their potential and how to deploy it to be useful in the community. I encourage female candidates to apply for any recruitment notice issued within our institution, with the aim of having a more or less equitable distribution in the various command and management positions within the institution that I lead.Why do you think we should invest in women? And how should we do it?Women are human beings who must thrive in the same way as men. She must be autonomous and resilient. Investing in women also means giving her access to the various resources needed to help her overcome the various challenges she faces. This way she can build a world in which she can realise her rights by thriving in all areas (financial, professional, etc.).For me, investing in women can be summed up with 3 ideas: access to resources, fulfilment and prosperity.How to invest?Strengthen her capacities through training, education, etc. “Educating a woman is educating a whole nation", as we say in my homeland in DR Congo.Position and encourage women in well-paid jobs and sectors.And provide them with social protection by giving them much greater access to information, the internet, land rights over agricultural land, etc.How do you help people understand the challenges faced by women in emergency situations in the DRC and elsewhere?The DRC Red Cross uses the SVEC tool (Study of Vulnerabilities and Enhanced Capacities), which organizes, through principles of social inclusion, community interviews to discuss the issue of women in general and during emergencies. These discussions focus on themes like: women's ability to cope with emergencies; understanding the emergency (nature and consequences) so that she can be properly assisted; the attitude to adopt during an emergency and the actions men can take to support women during emergencies.Everything goes through this mechanism, which is both an assessment and an awareness-raising exercise.

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Podcast

Special Women's Day episode: IFRC’s top leaders talk about how far we’ve come and the gaps that remain in gender equity

Kate Forbes, thenewly elected president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies joins the organization’s Secretary General Jagan Chapagain in a wide-ranging exploration of gender equity in humanitarian action. They look at how far the humanitarian sector has come and what needs to be done now to close the gaps that still exist.

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Article

'Even in the darkest moments, women are strong and perseverant.’

As the media officer and spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society, Nebal Farsakh has been the voice of the Palestine Red Crescent during one of its most difficult and darkest times.To television viewers, social media followers and radio listeners around the world, Farsakh’s face, posts and voice have brought the daily — and often deadly — humanitarian challenges facing the people Gaza and her colleagues into stark relief.On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we asked Nebal Farsakh to reflect on the role women are playing in the humanitarian response, as well as her own approach to living as a woman professional during a devestating conflict.“I believe that women are capable of anything, and this is really my approach to life.I am married and have a ten-year-old son and a four-year-old daughter. As a family, we do not have stereotypes about women; my husband helps me with household chores and taking care of the children.And of course, I try to convey this to my children as well, meaning that I teach my son how to behave with his sister, and not to ask her to ‘serve him’. I am keen on having equality between them, and I emphasize that women should defend their full rights, whether the right to education or inheritance or other rights.On the professional side, I am breaking gender stereotypes through my work as the media officer and spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Some may think that women are not strong enough, or unable to work long hours or be available outside of working hours, but I have been working tirelessly since the war on Gaza started five months ago, appearing in the media, spreading news, and trying to be a source of support and a listening ear for my colleagues in Gaza.Shattering stereotypesThe war on Gaza confirmed to me that the volunteers and female employees of the Palestine Red Crescent are a perfect example of women who shatter stereotypes. We have female paramedics who are present in the field, providing first aid and medical support, despite the dangers and difficulties.For example, one paramedic continued her life-saving work despite her husband being detained, and despite all the other challenges, such as providing food and drinking water for her children. She was strong and powerful enough to carry out her humanitarian mission.And our colleague Hidaya Hamad, who was killed while she was in her office at the Palestine Red Crescent Society headquarters. Huda, who was the director of volunteers, was present at the Amal Hospital until the very last moment; she was a source of support and strength for the volunteers and her colleagues until her last breath.Hidaya, and the female employees and volunteers of the Palestine Red Crescent are the best example of women being strong, and capable of breaking gender stereotypes. Even in the darkest moments, women are strong and perseverant, not just men.”

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Article

How investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas

Only five years ago, roughly 99 per cent of disaster response operations carried out by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in the Americas were led by men.Why such a disparity? In large part, it was because many of the women who could participate in training and operations necessary to hold those positions had children, elderly or disabled people in their care. This limited their availability to participate in emergency response.That is why in 2020, the IFRC and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) launched the Equity and Leadership initiative with a clear objective: to increase the number of women in management and humanitarian leadership positions in the Americas.The project started as an opportunity to build a peer-to-peer network in which women could share and grow together, both in leadership positions and at the local level. Along the years, women involved in the programme have gone through a leadership journey — which included management training and mentorship — through which they expanded their competencies to lead disaster and emergency operations."Perhaps there are few women leading humanitarian operations due to a lack of opportunities and motivation,” said Karla Vogt, a Bolivian Red Cross volunteer who participated in the initiative. “I have been a Red Cross volunteer for 11 years and I feel that there is still a need to promote internal gender equity policies.”The program, she added, gave women the opportunity to “generate spaces to show the best we have, to be an example for other women and to exercise our capabilities, which are often made invisible for gender reasons."The investment pays offThe results have been impressive. As a result of this partnership, the number of women leading humanitarian operations in the Americas increased in 2020 to 48 percent and then to 50 per cent in 2021. The IFRC responses to hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020, the eruption of La Soufrière volcano in April 2021, the earthquake in Haiti in 2021 were also led by women.Vogt herself was deployed in 2021 as field coordinator of the flood response operation in Bocas del Toro, Panama. That same year, the operation in response to the migration crisis in Darien, Panama, was also led by a woman.But it doesn’t stop there. The regional management of the COVID-19 response operation, as well as the pandemic response in Peru, Argentina and Central America were in the hands of female experts in humanitarian action, a substantial improvement over the 2019 figures."The heart of La Soufrière volcano operation was and continues to be the women who gave and continue to give their being to the emergency response,”said Rhea Pierre, disaster preparedness and climate-crisis coordinator for IFRC in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean. Pierre was deployed in 2021 as disaster manager as part of the response to the eruption of the La Soufrière volcano in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.“I believe that programs such as this one have highlighted the vital role we play in such emergency contexts. In my case, it pushed me out of my comfort zone and showed me that yes, I can make it, I can be an actor in this space and contribute positively to improving people's lives."In 2022, 48 percent of operations were led by women, but in 2023, this number dropped to 30 percent, an indication that the work of gender equity is something that is continually managed, not fixed with one fell swoop. This is one reason the America’s region continually charts the progress of gender equity in its emergency response via a regularly updated online website.Thanks to continued commitment, this number increased again in 2024, with 45% of operations led by women.While the initiative has led to an increase in the number of women trained, deployed and occupying leadership positions in humanitarian operations in the region, it is still necessary to advance the design, implementation and standardization of measures that more fully address the needs related to their domestic workloads.The work continuesDozens of women from Red Cross Societies in the region have also participated in training and mentoring programs and have contributed to the co-creation of a training and skills program."To women starting their humanitarian careers, I say: we need you,”says Diana Oviedo, IFRC Operations Coordinator in Central America who was also designated as IFRC's Central America COVID-19 Pandemic Response Coordinator. ”We need your voice, your vision of the world, your contributions to reduce the suffering of those who need it most.“You are enough, your experience, training and human qualities are enough, do not doubt yourself. Don't be afraid to give your opinion, whether you are in a leadership position or not. We are in this humanitarian world because we are united by a common feeling of humanity, trust your team, listen to the solutions that other people offer you, get close to other women who inspire you and learn from their experiences".Read our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.’International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping others

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