A feminist humanitarian system
How we define the term ‘feminist’
Being intersectional, inclusive, holistic, collaborative, and committed.
Putting women and girls (all self-identifying women and girls) and gender-diverse people at the centre.
Ensuring dignity of women, girls and gender diverse people; driving transformation, dismantling patriarchy; and challenging exclusion.
Leaving no-one behind, ensuring safety and safe spaces, and accountability and transparency.
Recognising power dynamics, and taking action to address them, to shift power where necessary, and always using power responsibly.
Being self-reflective, and open to adapting and changing, to ensure feminist principles are consistently upheld.
Working together as a movement for the rights of women, girls and gender diverse people; for human rights; and justice for all.
A feminist humanitarian system:
Is collectively and unwaveringly committed to achieving gender justice, recognising and responding to the systemic drivers of inequality, and using emergencies as catalysts to advance the rights of women, girls and gender diverse people
Acknowledges the patriarchal and colonial dynamics within itself, that often exclude or downplay the contribution of those identifying as women and minorities, particularly those from the Global South
Takes responsibility for identifying unjust formal and informal power relations within itself by regularly critiquing the extent to which its structures and processes reinforce patriarchal power relations through humanitarian action
Actively shifts power to women-led organisations working in humanitarian contexts in the Global South by ensuring that they are resourced and consistently included, and that their leadership is recognised and made central in shaping the humanitarian system
Facilitates safe spaces through its coordination mechanisms, wherein actors working at all levels can be heard, and the expertise of diverse responders, including those identifying as women, is looked up to
Recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, thereby ensuring that nobody is left behind.