WISE

Background & Rationale

Women's Institute for Supply-Chain Excellence

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world" - Gandhi

Summary of Background and Rational behind WISE

WISE aspires to provide long-term and sustainable support to aid workers; particularly female logisticians enabling them to help women beneficiaries build their lives with dignity.

In the recent years the world has seen an increase in the number of displaced men, women and children as a result of conflict and natural disasters. While disasters are not gender sensitive various studies show that 80% of internally displaced persons and refugees are women and children. The impact of conflicts and disasters on women and children are both physically and psychologically damaging. Efforts are being made by various humanitarian actors to ensure that gender perspectives are intertwined in all aspects of humanitarian aid delivery policy (ECOSCO, 1998). However, it has been observed in the recent complex humanitarian emergencies that restoring the dignity of women after a crisis still remains a challenge.

NFI Distribution to Tsunami Victims
in Sri Lanka

Women and children will continue to face the brunt of the wrath from both natural and human made disasters whenever they occur. However, it is important to put systems in place to safeguard the rights and dignity of the most vunerable during and after emergencies. Although efforts have been made to support women in disaster via women organisations, little has been done to address the gender imbalances in Logistics and Supply Chain management.

Humanitarian programmes need a diverse workforce with different perspectives to fully comprehend the varying needs and aspirations of those they are helping. Through proper education, communication, and support of women in the Logistics and Supply Chain workforce we can build a working environment that is a model not only for other sectors but also for the beneficiaries.

In all emergencies, the so-called victims are the first actors in relief and the majority of them are always women.
-Gerhard Schmalbruch, PhD
Secretary General EuronAid

Disaster relief efforts often fail to pay attention to female health needs. Many pregnant women lack obstetrical care, miscarry, or deliver under extremely unsanitary conditions.
-Coalition of Tsunami Affected Women, 2005 Report

Displaced women frequently lack access to contraception and even undergarments and sanitary supplies, which in some cases have been doled out by men.
-Lin Chew & Kavita Ramdas Report
Global Fund for Women, 2005

Post 2004 Tsunami, women had no say in the design of temporary shelters constructed for them. As a result, some shelters had no kitchens and the cooking areas led to smoke and fire hazards.
-Lin Chew & Kavita Ramdas Report
Global Fund for Women, 2005

Background & Rationale

Women's Institute for Supply-Chain Excellence

In all emergencies, the so-called victims are the first actors in relief and the majority of them are always women. -Gerhard Schmalbruch, PhDSecretary General EuronAid

Disaster relief efforts often fail to pay attention to female health needs. Many pregnant women lack obstetrical care, miscarry, or deliver under extremely unsanitary conditions. -Coalition of Tsunami Affected Women, 2005 Report

Displaced women frequently lack access to contraception and even undergarments and sanitary supplies, which in some cases have been doled out by men. -Lin Chew & Kavita Ramdas Report Global Fund for Women, 2005

Post 2004 Tsunami, women had no say in the design of temporary shelters constructed for them. As a result, some shelters had no kitchens and the cooking areas led to smoke and fire hazards. -Lin Chew & Kavita Ramdas Report Global Fund for Women, 2005

In all emergencies, the so-called victims are the first actors in relief and the majority of them are always women.
-Gerhard Schmalbruch, PhD
Secretary General EuronAid

Disaster relief efforts often fail to pay attention to female health needs. Many pregnant women lack obstetrical care, miscarry, or deliver under extremely unsanitary conditions.
-Coalition of Tsunami Affected Women, 2005 Report

Displaced women frequently lack access to contraception and even undergarments and sanitary supplies, which in some cases have been doled out by men.
-Lin Chew & Kavita Ramdas Report
Global Fund for Women, 2005

Post 2004 Tsunami, women had no say in the design of temporary shelters constructed for them. As a result, some shelters had no kitchens and the cooking areas led to smoke and fire hazards.
-Lin Chew & Kavita Ramdas Report
Global Fund for Women, 2005