A new report from Caritas Australia has found that humanitarian workers across the world overwhelmingly believe gender diversity improves humanitarian responses. 

Over 85 percent of respondents agreed with statements that said gender diverse teams lead to more inclusive responses, have better decision making, and a greater likelihood to listen and act upon the views of communities. 

However, the report - Anchors in a Crisis: Women’s Humanitarian Leadership in Faith and Secular Contexts - also revealed that the contributions of women are undervalued, with women also underrepresented in leadership positions. 

The research covered Africa, Asia, Europe, the MENA region, North America, and Oceania, as well as secular and faith-based contexts. Faith-based settings were noted as especially important given 84 percent of the world identifies with a faith, meaning church networks have deep community ties and are often first responders in emergencies. 

Kirsten Sayers, Interim Chief Executive Office at Caritas Australia, said, “The strength of women is something I have witnessed firsthand throughout my years in the international aid and development sector. However, I have also witnessed the disproportionate and gendered challenges that women face when participating in humanitarian decision-making. As a member of one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks, we wanted to understand why this gendered reality exists.” 

The report gives recommendations applicable to the Australian Government and other Australian NGOs, both faith-based and secular, which include but are not limited to:   

• Incentivising, through funding, the inclusion of local women-led organisations in crisis responses  

• Supporting women in the humanitarian sector to access leadership training, as well as building supportive networks for their development  

• Working with local faith actors to get their potentially transformative support for women’s leadership at a community level  

• Training on gender equality and safeguarding for all staff in both faith-based and secular NGOs, which can also serve to support men’s allyship 

One instance in which faith actors are working effectively to address women's leadership is within the Caritas Africa Women’s Leadership Forum (CAWLF). In the region there are twelve female Executive Directors of national Caritas organisations despite societal norms not generally encouraging women’s leadership. 

Lucy Esipila, Regional Coordinator of Caritas Africa, and a coordinating member of CAWLF, echoed the broader finding of the report, stating that fostering women’s leadership goes beyond just providing training, explaining that it is vital to create an enabling environment.  

“The important thing is to create a supportive environment where we can test what women’s leadership means and compare what works,’ said Ms. Esipila.  

Reflecting on the aims of the report, Kirsten Sayers concluded that, “This report shines a light not only on the challenges but also the opportunities and success stories in dismantling the barriers to women’s humanitarian leadership. It shows how women’s leadership contributes to an inclusive and sustainable humanitarian response. Equally as important, it underscores that women’s participation in decision-making in matters that affect their lives is a human right.” 

Caritas Australia is committed to ensuring all people, especially women, are supported to lead their development and thrive. Last year 14,731 women were supported to assume leadership roles, 2,430 women and girl survivors of violence received counselling, and 64,281 people participated in sessions on gender issues and women’s rights. 

You can help Caritas Australia support women by clicking below or calling 1800 024 413 toll free.