Turning Crisis Response On Its Head

Despite being disproportionately impacted by disasters, women’s leadership in times of crisis still goes unrecognised and under resourced. And yet, when disasters strike, women are the first to take action, often putting their lives on the line to protect others.  

When a woman is placed at the centre of emergency response, she builds resilience for herself and her community, the capability to defend her rights, and leadership skills that last a lifetime. 

ActionAid established the Arise Fund to drive our pioneering women-led humanitarian work, which recognises and supports women’s leadership during crisis.

The Arise Fund’s ambition is to raise $20 million to empower one million women around the world with the resources and networks they need to lead their communities in times of crisis.

Together, we will: 

  1. Prepare women before disaster strikes through support in emergency preparedness, conflict resolution training, and community-based protection programs
  2. Provide rapid response funding in times of crisis to ensure women and their organisations are resourced when they need it most. 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Enjoy networking with like-minded people, hear about the Arise Fund that’s powering women’s leadership and learn more about the amazing women shaping a more just and equitable world.

49,000 women leaders trained and counting

READ THE 2025 ARISE IMPACT REPORT

WATCH: It's time to shift the balance

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“I’ve witnessed the work of many good and on the ground organisations first hand, through my roles as a senator, diplomat and civilian. ActionAid always impressed me as one of the best in the world. Genuinely changing and saving lives.”

Natasha Stott Despoja AO, Arise Fund Ambassador

Why women?

More lives are saved

When women lead crisis response communities are better prepared and have greater resilience to increasing hazards and shocks

Women’s position in society is transformed

Women are seen and respected as capable leaders, which contributes significant gains in gender equality

Women and girls are better protected  from violence

They work together to ensure their rights are protected and respected in emergencies

The women rebuilding the world

Aisha Alhaj Ali, Türkiye

When women are empowered to lead, emergencies can be catalysts for positive social change. This idea is embodied by Aisha, who is the project manager of a safe space for displaced women facing injustice. Women in the safe space come together to come together, talk, and learn vocational skills.

Read more stories like this in the Arise Impact Report
"Women all over Malo came together and contributed local food crops to respond"

Betina Charlie, Vanuatu

Betina encouraged women from her community to come together and grow crops to harvest and exchange. After twin cyclones in 2023, the women distributed food to those affected on other islands.

Read more stories like this in the Arise Impact Report

Irin and Thamina, Bangladesh

When people move to cyclone centres, they may need to stay there for a couple of days because of the high risk of flooding. Community facilitator Irin and youth group member Thamina organised emergency supplies.

Read more stories like this in the Arise Impact Report

The Arise Leadership Circle

Arise is not only a global fund, but a global network of women working and rising together to face challenges and bring about change. Meet the Australian women who commit their time and expertise to drive the objectives of the Arise Fund and meet the visionary target of empowering one million women to lead crisis response.

Janette O’Neill

Janette is an experienced climate change and sustainability practitioner. She is the Chief Sustainability Officer at PwC.

Angela Priestley

Angela is the founding editor of  Women’s Agenda, a publication for career-minded women. She has been a journalist and editor for ten years.

Lauren Hicks

Lauren is the Head of Social Impact at QBE. Lauren is passionate about contributing to social and environmental outcomes that will see future generations enjoy a life of safety, equity and inclusion.

Natasha Stott Despoja AO (Ambassador)

Natasha is the founding Chairperson of Our Watch and has been Australia’s Ambassador for Women and Girls. She is a former Senator for South Australia (1995-2008) and former Leader of the Australian Democrats.

Jo Norman

Jo leads the Norman Family Office in the development and administration of their philanthropy strategy. Jo is a proud advocate for both environmental and women’s justice and equity.

Kristina Stefanova (Chair)

Kristina is the co-founder of Bundaleer Sustainable Investments and has more than 15 years of experience working with the public and private sector in Australia, the US, UK, and across regions.

Nicola Blackburn

Nicola is a philanthropy advisor and Non-Executive Director of the Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation. Nicola's career includes senior leadership roles at International Development organisations.

Farren Williams

Farren is a Partner & Senior Adviser at Koda Capital, Chair of the Board of the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation Victoria and is on the Board of the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia.

Emily Albert

Emily has built a career as a sustainability and social impact strategist. She is currently Executive Director at Alberts overseeing the groups impact agenda and music education advocacy initiative.

Asha Kayla

Asha is a Climate and Sustainability specialist, with 18 years of experience in driving sustainable business practices across the UK and Australia. She is currently the Head of Sustainable Impact at Woolworths Group.

Find out more

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