July 13, 2023 — The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is pleased to announce its participation in the Women Deliver 2023 Conference in Kigali, Rwanda, one of the largest gatherings on gender equality and the health, rights, and well-being of girls and women.
The IRC's presence underscores the longstanding commitment to supporting and championing the rights and well-being of women and girls, particularly in crisis-affected settings. With ninety years of working in some of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, the IRC recognizes that crises disproportionately impact women and girls, exacerbating existing gender inequalities and vulnerabilities.
Cica Dadjo, the IRC’s Chief Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI) Officer:
"This week, the IRC looks forward to contributing our experience and evidence-based approaches to address the unique needs of women and girls affected by conflict, displacement, and emergencies.
“At the IRC, we are committed to equality for staff, clients, and partners by pursuing a feminist approach to delivering humanitarian aid and fostering an inclusive organizational culture where diversity is championed and represented at all leadership levels. During our session on organizational culture change, the IRC is sharing the lessons learned from our commitment to GEDI, addressing historic inequity and colonialism to center the people that we serve, and catalyzing collective action to advance gender equality.
“Women Deliver 2023 will serve as a platform and a co-learning space for the IRC to showcase our programs that ensure access to essential health care, including reproductive health services, combat gender-based violence, and empower women economically. We look forward to engaging with and being inspired by fellow advocates and leaders on how to drive meaningful change and create a world where every woman and girl can thrive amidst increasingly complex global challenges.”
The IRC engagement at Women Deliver will include our programming work in education, health, and violence prevention and response.
- Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and the IRC recognizes its crucial role in breaking down gender disparities. The organization's innovative educational programs create safe learning environments that promote gender equality and inclusivity. By addressing systemic barriers and providing targeted support, the IRC enables girls to access quality education and equips them with the skills needed to thrive and become leaders in their communities.
- Through its global health programs, the IRC strives to ensure that every person, regardless of their gender, has access to quality healthcare. By focusing on sexual and reproductive health, the IRC works to eliminate barriers and provide comprehensive services to women and girls, including access to newborn and maternal care, family planning, and prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. The IRC's evidence-based approach prioritizes community engagement and aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health.
- Violence against women and girls remains a pressing global issue, particularly in crisis-affected settings. The IRC is at the forefront of preventing and responding to gender-based violence, employing a survivor-centered approach that encompasses protection, support, and advocacy. By partnering with communities and local organizations, particularly women-led organizations, the IRC works to shift harmful social norms, strengthen legal frameworks, and provide comprehensive services to survivors.