OCHA's Gender Equality Policy

Father and son in Mozambique

OCHA is committed to achieving gender equality in all aspects of humanitarian assistance.  We will also strive to eliminate the causes of gender inequality that often undermine the ability of women and girls to be active partners in all activities related to humanitarian assistance. OCHA’s policy on gender equality takes into account the expertise, commitment and responsibilities of all humanitarian partners. [full document in PDF format] [French version]

OCHA’s responsibilities, given its mandate for humanitarian information management, coordination, and advocacy are:

Information management and analysis: OCHA will strengthen gender analysis in humanitarian assistance and support the humanitarian community’s analysis of gender dimensions.  This will contribute to an improved understanding of emergencies, recovery and rehabilitation.

Humanitarian response and coordination: OCHA will work to ensure that humanitarian assistance recognises and responds to the protection and assistance needs of women and girls, as well as men and boys. OCHA’s coordinating role is to identify gaps relating to gender issues and call on the humanitarian community to develop strategies to fill these gaps.

Humanitarian policy and evaluation: OCHA will take the lead in ensuring that all policy initiatives strive towards the goal of gender equality and incorporate a gender perspective. OCHA will highlight the gender dimensions of other thematic initiatives such as sanctions, protection of civilians, HIV/AIDS and emergencies, and natural disasters.

Humanitarian advocacy:  OCHA representatives will speak out for the rights of women and girls, including their equitable participation in emergency and reconstruction initiatives.

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