Integrating Women’s and Girls’ Needs and Leadership in Crisis Response
Summary
In 2024, VOICE committed to providing safe, inclusive crisis responses by deploying women experts and advocating for the involvement of women and girls in emergency planning and decision-making in targeted U.S. communities to directly serve 2,000 women by the end of 2026. VOICE will develop and deploy rapid response teams with expertise in gender-based violence; collaborate with emergency response actors to integrate women’s perspectives; support frontline caregivers with short-term support and access to wellness retreats; and build a network of local women experts and advocates for women’s voices in crisis response. Through advocacy for systems change for large institutions and small grants directed to women-led organizations, this commitment will result in marked positive changes for how the needs of women and girls, in all their diversity, are met in crisis response settings in the U.S.
Approach
VOICE commits to ensuring safe, inclusive crisis responses by deploying women experts and advocating for the involvement of women and girls in emergency planning and decision-making. This will be implemented by deploying rapid response teams with expertise in GBV and collaborating with emergency response actors to integrate women’s perspectives, directly impacting 2,000 people in the U.S. by mid-2026.
To support frontline caregivers, VOICE will prevent burnout by providing short-term support and facilitating wellness retreats. The organization will step in to support critical tasks, allowing frontline workers time to recharge.
To strengthen capacity and advocacy, VOICE will offer training and mentorship on gender inequality and GBV in crises to over 1,000 people. VOICE will build a network of local women experts and advocates for women’s voices in crisis response. This will include engaging in advocacy for systems change with large institutions, including FEMA, the National Guard and the Red Cross. Challenges here may include overcoming entrenched practices and gaining acceptance of new training programs and approaches.
For channeling resources and fostering partnerships, VOICE will bridge donors with local women and gender-diverse organizations. This involves providing small grants and helping donors design strategies to increase their investments in WGLOs.
VOICE brings extensive experience in gender-responsive crisis management, including technical support and advocacy. The organization leverages feminist principles, expertise in GBV, and a deep network of local WGLOs. New VOICE’s partnerships will contribute through collaboration on policy advocacy and resource mobilization, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness and reach of the commitment. New partnerships will also help expand VOICE’s footprint in the US which will in turn generate marked positive changes for how the needs of women and girls, in all their diversity, are met in crisis response settings in the US.
Action Plan
In the first three months, VOICE will assess needs, identify key women’s groups (WGLOs) , and address gaps in disaster response. Partnerships with state and federal agencies, such as FEMA, the National Guard, Red Cross, and local organizations, will be established. A project plan with timelines and responsibilities will be developed, and outreach to WGLOs for collaboration will begin. Initial training on gender-responsive emergency preparedness and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention will be conducted, including online sessions for accessibility.
From months 4-24, VOICE will focus on capacity building and deployment. Rapid response teams will assist WGLOs in high-risk areas with technical support and resources. A wellness retreat for frontline workers will help prevent burnout. Direct service delivery and the expansion of local women expert practitioners will continue, with locally designed kits distributed to meet the needs of women and girls.
Advocacy and policy integration will also be a focus, with campaigns to influence policy changes, integrating GBV considerations into disaster response plans. Workshops and discussions with policymakers and WGLOs will ensure women’s perspectives are included in decision-making. A mid-term review will adjust strategies as needed.
In months 13-24, the plan will involve scaling successful interventions and replicating proven models in other high-risk areas. Additional training sessions and wellness retreats will be provided as necessary. The effectiveness of training, support, and advocacy will be evaluated, with feedback gathered from WGLOs and stakeholders. A comprehensive report will be published, detailing the impact and lessons learned, and planning for the next phase will focus on sustaining and expanding gains and establishing long-term partnerships.
Background
This commitment aims to address significant challenges in disaster response and humanitarian crises, particularly focusing on the disproportionate impact on women and girls. Despite their heightened vulnerability during emergencies, existing systems often neglect their specific needs, exacerbating gender disparities. This neglect is compounded by the erosion of reproductive rights and the increasing incidence of gender-based violence (GBV) , further marginalizing women and girls in crisis situations.
Currently, global humanitarian crises, intensified by climate change and conflicts, are placing unprecedented demands on response systems that struggle with limited resources. This inadequacy hinders effective support for displaced women and girls, who constitute a majority of affected populations. Moreover, women-led and gender-diverse organizations (WGLOs) are frequently sidelined in decision-making processes, perpetuating inequities in resource allocation and policy development.
VOICE aims to rectify these disparities by advocating for a more inclusive and gender-responsive approach to disaster management. They emphasize the expertise and leadership of WGLOs in emergency response, seeking to bridge the gap between traditional practices and local perspectives. This approach not only prioritizes reproductive justice and GBV mainstreaming but also aims to empower women and girls as key stakeholders in shaping effective emergency policies.
Centering feminist principles of partnership and inclusivity, aligned with efforts to counter global attacks on sexual and reproductive health rights, is essential to driving progress. By amplifying the voices of women and girls, VOICE aims to transform emergency response systems into equitable and efficient mechanisms that serve all affected individuals.
In expanding their mission to the United States, VOICE seeks to leverage its successful international initiatives to foster dialogue and collaboration within local communities. By championing the rights and capabilities of women and girls in crisis situations, VOICE aims to drive systemic change towards gender equality and resilience in emergency settings, both domestically and globally.
Progress Update
Partnership Opportunities
To complete and scale their commitment, VOICE seeks financial support to fund their initiatives, including policy efforts, deployment and training sessions, wellness retreats, direct service delivery, and granting to WGLOs. Additionally, they are looking for media support to amplify their advocacy campaigns and raise awareness about the importance of gender-responsive disaster response. These resources will enable them to enhance their impact, reach more high-risk areas, disaster entities that need to reconsider their focus on women and girls, and ensure that women and girls are at the forefront of emergency preparedness and response efforts., VOICE is committed to offering a comprehensive partnership that includes best practices, financial support, and subject matter expertise to other organizations. They will provide gender-responsive emergency preparedness and GBV prevention training sessions tailored for WGLOs. Additionally, they will offer financial support to ensure these organizations have the necessary resources to effectively respond to crises. Their team of experts, with over 100 years of combined experience, will provide technical assistance, mentorship, policy support and direct service delivery support. This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of WGLOs, enabling them to lead and implement effective disaster response strategies that prioritize the needs and leadership of women and girls and it aims to generate lasting policy changes for how crisis response happens in the US.