Addressing the needs of women and girls on the move: Toward an inclusive, intersectional and culturally sensitive approach

Abstract

This briefing outlines the intersecting and complex needs of women and girls (hereafter referred to as women) on the move, aiming to support humanitarian efforts in developing inclusive, intersectional and culturally sensitive approaches to help improve their health and well-being. The document is based on a synthesis of evidence from various displacement settings and is intended for humanitarian and development practitioners, advocates and policymakers from a range of international and local organisations. The objectives of this briefing are: • To inform diverse humanitarian actors about displaced women’s intersecting and complex needs at different stages of forced migration • To inform the development of more inclusive humanitarian policy and programmes, encouraging more support for women on the move Displaced women’s needs vary based on their socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, but some specific gendered dimensions of needs relate to displaced populations in general across forced migrant routes. Vulnerability to harm and exclusion is based on factors such as gender, age, disability and other diversity factors. An intersectional lens recognises the diversity of experiences and identities which shape women’s needs and their vulnerability to discrimination in displacement that is determined by various social identity markers and power structures.1,2 To make aid work for women, it is essential to adequately adapt interventions across different stages of forced migration, based on the needs of diverse groups of women, in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner. It is also important to provide specialist support to survivors of torture and sexual and gender-based violence, unaccompanied minors and other groups requiring assistance (for example, older women, women with disabilities and women from minority backgrounds).