Women, Girls, Boys & Men: Different Needs – Equal Opportunities: IASC gender handbook for humanitarian action

Humanitarians intervene in conflict and disaster to protect civilians whose lives will be altered forever by horrific events. Amidst the chaos, when mobilizing support, coordinating a response, and figuring out logistics are at their peak, humanitarian workers can lose sight of the original intent of the response: to help the individuals in need. These individuals have different needs, face different threats, and strive towards different dreams. Failing to recognize these different needs can result in inefficient targetting and even exacerbate the harm that already has been caused.

The aim of this handbook is to guide humanitarian responses to recognize the varying needs of girls, boys, women, and men–to be sensitive to gender-issues in an already difficult environment.