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As we approach World Humanitarian Day on August 19, humanitarian crises are increasing in scale, impact and frequency and humanitarian organisations are forging new alliances to cope.
In Ethiopia, for instance, women are facing the compounding challenges of growing conflict, COVID-19 and locust swarms.
Kaleita Wendim is a 35-year-old mother who lives with her four children in a rural village in Ethiopia. Usually, her family survives off the produce from their farm but this year, her family was forced to flee their home and their crops were ruined.
“Desert locusts invaded and destroyed the crops when I was getting prepared to harvest it. Moreover, all the harvested crops, my house and all household materials were ruined and burned during the conflict between the federal and regional governments,” Kaleita Wendim said.
Amidst the conflict, rural women are struggling to protect their livelihoods even as the pandemic has increased economic hardships. Now, locust swarms have descended upon their farms destroying the rest of their crops.
Over five million people are currently in need of urgent support in response to severe food shortages and widespread violence.
Since November last year, conflict between the Ethiopian government and forces in the Tigray region has threatened the lives of women around the country. As of 24 May, nearly two million people have been internally displaced across the Tigray region and more than half of displaced people are women and girls.
The conflict has disrupted the lives of millions of Ethiopians, access to food has been severely compromised and cases of sexual and gender-based violence against women have surged.
“Women and children are the most impacted by this crisis, with malnutrition rates for children soaring and women facing widespread sexual and gender-based violence across the region,” reports Tinebeb Berhane, Country Director of ActionAid Ethiopia.
Amidst the conflict, rural women are struggling to protect their livelihoods even as the pandemic has increased economic hardship. Now, locust swarms have descended upon their farms destroying the rest of their crops.
In the face of these hardships, women have come together at Reflect Circles supported by ActionAid to talk about their challenges and find ways to overcome them as a collective.
Through the Circles, women like Kaleita can access essential supplies like seeds, tools and cash grants to begin to rebuild their lives.
ActionAid is working in Ethiopia’s conflict affected zone, Southern Tigray. So far, 18,000 people have been reached with emergency food assistance and 1,455 women and girls have been provided with dignity kits to ensure their needs are not forgotten during a crisis.
Kaleita and her family are among those who have received support from ActionAid.
“Thanks to ActionAid, I have got 75 kilograms of wheat flour. This is critical support for my family. I will use the flour for Ambasha (local bread) and cook Genfo (thick porridge) which are favorite foods of our community,” Kaleita says.
At the Reflect Circles, women learn about their rights and gain the skills and courage they need to speak up against gender-based violence. Young people, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons and refugees are also receiving emergency support.
Dignity kits are being distributed to women and girls, water points are being established and damaged water sources are being repaired to improve access to clean and safe water, in addition to the promotion of hygiene practices.
But as the crisis continues to escalate and locusts wreak havoc on food supplies, ActionAid is looking to grow our Reflect Circles so more women don’t have to face these challenges alone.
On World Humanitarian Day, Thursday 19 August at 5pm ActionAid is holding a virtual celebration of women changing the world.
Angela Priestley, founding editor of Women’s Agenda, will facilitate a conversation with two inspiring women leaders about their insights on the global impact of COVID-19 on women’s rights and the roles women have played as part of the response.
Everyday, women are on the frontlines leading their communities through this unprecedented global humanitarian crisis. Let’s celebrate and stand in solidarity with our sisters around the world this World Humanitarian Day.
ActionAid has recently joined forces with 15 other charities to launch the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA). The EAA is a collection of charities, uniting in our efforts to streamline the way Australians support and donate to overseas communities affected by humanitarian disasters.
“Humanitarian emergencies are increasing in scale, impact and frequency. The EAA is addressing this growing demand by uniting Australia’s leading and most trusted humanitarian agencies for the greatest impact in a time of crisis. AAA is proud to be part of the alliance – we are stronger together and we are determined to lift Australia’s support for communities impacted by crisis,” says Michelle Higelin, Executive Director of ActionAid Australia.
The alliance will allow for funds to be distributed rapidly to areas where the money is most needed. More people will be supported, and communities will be able to heal and rebuild faster than ever before.
ActionAid along with 15 other charities joined forces to launch a unified emergency response alliance, the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA).
“Around the globe, the number of large-scale disasters are increasing. The complexity of these emergencies are also accelerating, and new factors such as the Covid pandemic mean that communities are even more vulnerable. It’s no surprise that the needs for disaster response and recovery are escalating. Our member organisations already work in close collaboration during a disaster response – but there has been a common agreement that a more formal alliance was needed to make it easier for donors to give. Today is an historic moment in Australia’s response to disaster relief,” says Kerrin Morris, Executive Director of the Emergency Action Alliance.
The EAA is a collection of charities, uniting in our efforts to streamline the way Australians support and donate to overseas communities affected by humanitarian disasters.
The alliance will allow for funds to be distributed rapidly to areas where the money is most needed. More people will be supported, and communities will be able to heal and rebuild faster than ever before.
“When there’s a huge disaster or crisis overseas that gains media attention here in Australia, it can be hard for generous, compassionate supporters to know how to help, where to donate and who to trust with their donation. We know from research that any hesitancy can inhibit an individual’s likelihood to help. Through the EAA donors will have confidence that their donation will be helpful to the people and communities impacted by the disaster.”
The current member organisations of the EAA include: Action Aid, ADRA, Act for Peace, Australian Lutheran World Service, Anglican Overseas Aid, Baptist World Aid, Caritas Australia, Care, CBM, ChildFund Australia, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children, Tearfund Australia, Australia for UNHCR, and World Vision.
The alliance was launched on Friday 6th August during an online event featuring high profile speakers including Senator the Hon Marise Payne, ABC Board Director Dr Jane Connors, James Gilling, First Assistant Secretary (Humanitarian, NGOs and Partnerships Division), CEO of ACFID Marc Purcell, CEO of Fundraising Institute of Australia Katherine Raskob, and representatives from each of the EAA member organisations.
With crises like COVID-19 becoming more wide-spread and complex, the EAA will mean that those who are most affected can receive rapid support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
“The EAA is addressing this growing demand by uniting Australia’s leading and most trusted humanitarian agencies for the greatest impact in a time of crisis. AAA is proud to be part of the alliance – we are stronger together and we are determined to lift Australia’s support for communities impacted by crisis.” – Michelle Higelin, Executive Director of ActionAid Australia. For more information on the Emergency Action Alliance please visit https://emergencyaction.org.au/
