Introduction

Humanitarian crises affect people differently based on gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, and other factors. Effective humanitarian work requires inclusive policies that address structural inequalities and ensure aid reaches vulnerable and marginalized populations equitably. This course provides a modern framework for integrating gender-responsive and diversity-inclusive policies into humanitarian programs, ensuring that interventions are effective, equitable, and culturally sensitive.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the intersection of gender, diversity, and humanitarian response.
• Apply international frameworks and policies for gender and diversity inclusion.
• Recognize and mitigate gender-based violence (GBV) risks in humanitarian settings.
• Develop inclusive and culturally sensitive humanitarian programs.
• Integrate gender and diversity considerations into needs assessments, program design, and monitoring & evaluation.
• Advocate for gender-transformative policies within organizations and humanitarian responses.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Humanitarian professionals and field staff
• Gender and diversity specialists in NGOs, UN agencies, and government institutions
• Protection and GBV officers in humanitarian organizations
• Program managers and policy advisors
• Security and risk management personnel
• Researchers and academics focusing on humanitarian response and gender studies

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Gender and Diversity in Humanitarian Work

📌 Key Topics:

• Understanding Gender, Diversity & Intersectionality in Humanitarian Contexts
• The Humanitarian Imperative & the Role of Gender-Inclusive Policies
• Global Frameworks for Gender & Diversity:
  • The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW)
  • The IASC Gender Policy & Gender with Age Marker (GAM)
  • UNSCR 1325 on Women, Peace & Security
• Case Study: Gender and diversity challenges in conflict and disaster responses

🛠 Practical Exercise:

• Intersectionality Mapping Workshop: Identifying diverse vulnerabilities in humanitarian crises

Day 2: Gender-Based Violence (GBV) & Protection in Humanitarian Settings

📌 Key Topics:

• Understanding Gender-Based Violence in Humanitarian Contexts
• Legal Frameworks for GBV Prevention & Response:
  • The Istanbul Convention
  • The UN GBV Guidelines for Humanitarian Settings
• Safe Programming & Survivor-Centered Approaches
• Challenges in Addressing GBV in Crisis-Affected Areas
• Case Study: The impact of GBV in refugee camps and conflict zones

🛠 Practical Exercise:

• Scenario-Based Response: Designing an emergency GBV response strategy for a humanitarian crisis

Day 3: Implementing Gender and Diversity-Inclusive Humanitarian Programs

📌 Key Topics:

• Gender-Sensitive Needs Assessments & Data Collection
• Adapting Humanitarian Programs to Cultural Contexts
• Ensuring Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Action
• Integrating LGBTQ+ Perspectives into Humanitarian Work
• Case Study: Adapting aid programs for displaced women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals in crisis settings

🛠 Practical Exercise:

• Inclusive Program Design: Creating a gender- and diversity-sensitive response plan for a disaster-affected community

Day 4: Institutional Gender and Diversity Policies in Humanitarian Work

📌 Key Topics:

• Developing & Implementing Organizational Gender & Diversity Policies
• Accountability & Monitoring of Gender Policies in Humanitarian Organizations
• Challenges in Mainstreaming Gender & Diversity Policies
• Recruitment & Leadership Strategies for Gender Parity in Humanitarian Organizations
• Case Study: Lessons from organizations with successful gender-inclusive policies

🛠 Practical Exercise:

• Policy Review Workshop: Assessing an existing humanitarian gender policy and recommending improvements

Day 5: Advocacy, Future Challenges, and Innovation in Gender & Diversity Inclusion

📌 Key Topics:

• Advocating for Gender and Diversity in Humanitarian Policy
• Future Challenges in Gender and Diversity Inclusion:
  • Climate Change & Its Disproportionate Impact on Women & Marginalized Communities
  • Digital Gender Divide in Humanitarian Access & Assistance
  • The Role of AI & Big Data in Gender-Inclusive Humanitarian Action
• Case Study: Innovative gender-sensitive interventions in humanitarian crises

🛠 Final Simulation & Certification:

• Simulated Humanitarian Crisis: Applying gender- and diversity-sensitive strategies in a live-action scenario
• Certification & Strategic Action Plan for participants to implement gender and diversity policies in their organizations

Conclusion & Certification

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Professional Certificate in Gender and Diversity Policies in Humanitarian Work, equipping them with cutting-edge strategies, policy frameworks, and advocacy tools to foster inclusive humanitarian action.