6th March 2024
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, it’s important to remember that it is not just a single day that we recognise and celebrate women in the humanitarian sector, but an opportune moment to pause, reflect and take time to think about the pivotal role women play in addressing global challenges, whether at a micro or macro level.
In a world that is increasingly complex, volatile, pressurised and polarised, there has never been a greater need for the power of women and feminist leadership.
From providing aid in crisis zones to advocating for marginalised communities, women play a critical role. Yet we know women continue to face barriers to gain more formal leadership positions within the sector, particularly in contexts where girls education and women’s equality are still not a given.
However, what continues to inspire me is just how many women have the courage to keep trying, to not give up, to fight for what is right, to bring diverse voices and opinions into debates and to continue to use different tools and ways to influence and bring about positive change in a world which can at times feel so bleak.
We need more women to feel bold, to feel brave, to know that their voice does matter and that women offer unique and different perspectives to bring people together. We need to be reminded that we have more in common than that which divides us.
This International Women’s Day I celebrate specifically female colleagues in Afghanistan, Yemen, oPt, Sudan and Ukraine, who continue to work tirelessly in crisis contexts to challenge the status quo, to stand up against what is right and to provide support and partnership for others in humanitarian crisis contexts.
The Humanitarian Leadership Academy is working to support many women across the globe and in complex crisis contexts by providing crisis coaching, as well as training more women in leadership coaching skills, to influence those they lead, inspire and relate to. These coaching skills are supporting women to navigate complexities of leadership in different ways, to bring in a more humane way of relating to one another and those around them.
We have noticed through coaching that women leaders in the humanitarian sector have identified their strengths, addressed challenges, and built confidence in their abilities. They have received tailored support to overcome obstacles and achieve their professional aspirations. This is helping women humanitarian leaders to overcome barriers and unlock their full potential to create new and better ways for leadership in the humanitarian sector.
Coaching has been life changing, enabling me to overcome judgement and fear.
By embracing coaching and mentoring programmes, humanitarian organisations can foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.
These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to nurturing diverse leadership talent and creating opportunities for women to thrive in senior positions.
Coaching and mentoring contribute to the retention of diverse talented female professionals, strengthening the effectiveness and impact of humanitarian efforts worldwide.
As we reflect on International Women’s Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting women’s leadership in the humanitarian sector.
Through coaching and mentoring, women can be empowered to lead with courage, compassion, and resilience, driving positive change and advancing the collective goal of creating a more just and equitable world.
The quality of everything we do, depends on the quality of the thinking we do first. The quality of our thinking depends on the way we treat each other while we are thinking.
Find out more
Read more about coaching and mentoring at the HLA.