About
Humanitarian responses have traditionally been controlled by male-dominated international bodies, leaving little space for women in affected communities to lead. As a result, women’s rights and needs are rarely prioritised in their response. The Pacific is experiencing a significant increase in climate-induced humanitarian disasters. In this context, ActionAid Australia is working as part of the ‘Shifting the Power Coalition’ to support women to lead emergency response and take power back into their own hands – ensuring disaster response addresses women’s needs. Supported by the Australian Government and ActionAid Australia supporters, the coalition of organisations – femLINKpacific, Pacific Disability Forum, Pacific Community (SPC), Nazareth Centre, Talitha Project, Transcend Oceania, Vanuatu Young Women for Change, Vois Blong Mere, YWCA Samoa, YWCA PNG and ActionAid Vanuatu – is working to build the existing power and knowledge of women emergency responders. On the frontlines of disaster, women play a vital role in ensuring the food security of families and communities.
Read the 2020 Shifting the Power Coalition Brochure here
Impact
Women are being supported to lead humanitarian action and raise their voices through training, network building, and research – all which help strengthen their advocacy and engagement with local and national decision makers.This project is transforming gender relations by supporting women to demonstrate the power and potential of their leadership well beyond the humanitarian crisis.
Project Summary: Shifting the Power Coalition
Read the Shifting the Power Coalition Advocacy Brief and Mobilising Women’s Leadership.
We’re sharing our story of how our Coalition is demonstrating feminist practice and localisation in action.
Since 2016, we are working together, across 6 countries and 13 organisations. We are committed to an inter-generational approach, empowering each other. We bring our traditional knowledge and lived experiences as first responders during times of crisis, tackling pre-existing gender inequalities, violence and socio-economic insecurities along the way.
Keep up to date with the latest information on the Shifting the Power Coalition Facebook page.
