International Women’s Day: Women Lead the Charge in Scaling Up Humanitarian Impact
This International Women’s Day we celebrate how women are shaping and leading the humanitarian space responding to crises, advocating for human rights, and promoting peace and stability.
At NeedsList we partner with extraordinary local organisations. It’s our privilege to share stories of some of the inspirational women who are leading the charge, whether developing solar-powered school bags in Uganda or innovating tech platforms in Ukraine.
Uganda
Uganda hosts over 1.5 million refugees according to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), with 80% being women and children.Access to reproductive health services and educational opportunities are essential.
Uganda has a vibrant civil society and women are at the forefront, taking the lead in community-based organisations that empower women to participate in development and implementation of programs and policies addressing issues such as gender equality, human rights, health, and education. These organisations provide a forum for women to advocate for their rights and those of their communities.
Jamila Mayanja, Founder Smart Girls Foundation Uganda
“With a period-stained dress, I was laughed at and mocked during my primary school years. Later, during my college I gave up my dream of becoming an architect because I was told that such fields were for men only,”
It was upon moving into her community, that Jamila discovered her passion for humanitarian work. She observed the pressing need to help women and girls lift themselves out of poverty, combat gender-based violence and inequalities, address unemployment, and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services.
Jamila is the Founder of Smart Girls Foundation Uganda, a local organisation which develops innovative solutions to support women and girls, one of them being menstruation. The Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports study in 2019 indicated that about 23% of Ugandan girls in the age group of 12–18 drop out of school when they begin menstruation.
One of their flagship projects is the creation of recycled solar Smart bags, which help young girls stay in school during their menstrual periods. The waterproof bags provide a convenient way to carry reusable pads, and the solar panel charges a light bulb, providing much-needed lighting for homework and revision. This initiative has not only increased access to education for adolescent girls but has also created employment opportunities for teenage mothers who are skilled and employed to make the bags and pads. Furthermore, the bags have been improved over time based on feedback received directly from the girls themselves.
Jamila proudly shares that some of the skilled workers who produce Smart Solar bags and reusable pads for her organisation are young women from vulnerable backgrounds.
She says, “Many of the workers come from the Bududa area, which was devastated by landslides, and others are urban refugees or survivors of gender-based violence.
Through providing these women with skills training and employment, Smart Girls Uganda is empowering them to sustain themselves and improve their lives. We are proud to be making a positive impact in the lives of these women.”
Her thoughts on technology and partnerships.
Jamila believes technology is a critical connector between organisations and beneficiaries, providing girls and women with the means to seek help and support from those who are willing to offer it. “With technology, every girl and woman has a platform to communicate their needs clearly and access the help they require to improve their lives”, she says.
Similarly, she places a high value on collaborations and partnerships, both in terms of working with local leaders, and recruiting women to work on production. She continues, “Working together creates a more significant impact on the lives of women and girls, beyond the capacity of a single organisation.
“It is also essential that entrepreneurs and organisations, whether new, or more established, seek guidance and knowledge from local people with a deeper understanding of the local culture and customs they are working in . This not only keeps me and those who work for me safe, it also builds trust and respect within the community.”
And in terms of the future for women in Uganda? “To achieve gender equality and equity, we need to prioritise the inclusion of women-led groups, networks, and organisations, ensuring that their voices are heard and that they have a seat at the table,” Jamila concludes.
Ukraine
The war in Ukraine has left millions homeless, destroyed critical infrastructure and cost thousands of lives. During a state of emergency , the rights of women are often abused, making their situation even more challenging. According to UNWomen, 90% of the internally displaced persons are women and children.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we caught up with two extraordinary women who are at the forefront of local organisations in Ukraine. They told us about what drives them, the need for women to push forward ‘without fear’ and the role of technology in creating a more equitable society.
Juliana Nazo, founder Odesa Youth Council
“Supporting women, especially when it comes to the adaptation of children, has been a valuable experience,”
Juliana’s passion for social development and her innate desire to help others led her to establish the Odesa Youth Council, which supports women, children, and men who have been displaced by the war in Ukraine.
Alongside humanitarian aid and psychosocial support, the council also offers legal aid and sheltering services to those who have been displaced from their homes. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals affected by displacement are not only able to meet their immediate needs but are also able to access essential legal support and safe housing, both of which are fundamental to their well-being and long-term recovery.
When the conflict began, she recognized the urgent need to address the social challenges faced by vulnerable populations and was motivated to serve as a representative of this group. Her unwavering commitment to ensuring that displaced persons receive the aid they need has kept her organisation going, and it continues to serve those in need.
“My experience supporting shelters for those who have been forced to flee their homes, and providing assistance to women, particularly those with children as they navigate the challenges of adaptation has been tremendously valuable to me.
I have also been motivated by my team, and the satisfaction that comes from helping people in need is inspiring. Knowing that our efforts are important and necessary is truly rewarding,” says Juliana.
As she shared her insights about the role of technology in her work, Juliana emphasised the significant impact it has on improving communication within humanitarian teams. She added that in her work, she leverages technology to facilitate vital processes such as resource tracking, surveys, and project planning.
Reflecting on her experiences over the past year, Juliana has this final message. “To achieve gender equality and equity, women must embrace responsibility without fear.”
Iryna Tuliakova: Founder, SpiviDiia
“I understand that self-doubt is scary! Be scared, but do it. I encourage women to take more responsibility for themselves,”
Iryna is the visionary founder of SpiviDiia, a local organisation responding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Her passion for work is fueled by a deep desire to see her country thrive and prosper. She draws inspiration from women who know the power of collaboration and teamwork, driven to create something greater than themselves.
“I strongly advocate for women’s career development and professional growth. Women should actively seek out support from their loved ones and delegate tasks in order to make time for professional development. This can boost confidence and cultivate the skills and knowledge needed to achieve even greater success in their careers,” says Iryna
During a discussion on collaborations and the use of technology at SpiviDiia, Iryna highlighted the importance of partnering with regional youth centres and community organisations to achieve greater impact. She says the approach allows different organisations to combine resources, knowledge, and expertise to better serve those in need, and ultimately make a more significant difference in the community.
At the same time,Iryna has witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact of digital technology “We have created a platform that leverages these technologies to assist Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. The platform’s automated request system, data gathering capabilities, and detailed reporting allow us to efficiently provide humanitarian aid and track our progress in creating employment opportunities for those in need,” she says.
Looking ahead for the future of women in Ukraine; Iryna calls upon women and girls to take a more active leadership role in the humanitarian sector, and work towards the development of their professional and leadership skills.
The stories of women leaders like Iryna, Juliana and Jamila serve as a powerful reminder of the remarkable impact women-led local organisations are having in their communities across the globe. We applaud their achievements and the efforts of countless others who are fighting for a more equitable society.
Read more about our work with local partners across the world in responding to international crises here
