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Carreer Development for Women in Humanitarian Assistance in West Africa

Research, Empowerment, Networking, Counselling

Scientific Base of the Project Activities

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, calls for the promotion of gender equality at all levels. This implies that the humanitarian setting equally has the responsibility of promoting gender equality and female empowerment of their professionals. The action towards promoting gender equality may take several forms they could be through the involvement of women within decision making processes within the humanitarian structures or promoting these women to positions of power and senior career levels within humanitarian institutions. 

For working women in the Humanitarian Field the path to successful careers can be rocky. Obstacles at work include the glass ceiling, pay gap, sexual harassment, gender discrimination, and unequal opportunity for women. Women’s Careers are also 1/3 shorter on average than men’s and are much more likely to involve part-time work.  Additionally, Women are more are often likely to move in and out of the labour force because of their care and reproductive roles- these missed opportunities penalise women as most of the gender pay is generated before the age of 40. Equitable workplaces are essential for women because they provide women equal opportunities and resources to succeed and advance in their careers.   

The project team is conducting a study that aimed at better understanding of the career barriers involved within their workplaces and potential solutions to address these challenges. The study findings will positively inform targeted humanitarian organizations on their internal policies to surmount career barriers that limit their female workers from excelling in the humanitarian domain. 

In Cooperation with