Written By: Prof Peter Katchy

Every day, humanitarian aid workers stand on the front lines of war and disaster, braving dangers and difficulties to deliver assistance to those who need it most. Hence, August 19 every year is set aside as World Humanitarian Day to recognize the aid workers who risk their lives in humanitarian services, and mobilizes people to advocate for humanitarian action.

It is to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe and to recognize the compassion and bravery of humanitarian workers. Humanitarian workers provide life-saving assistance, consisting of first aid, nutrition, shelter and help rebuild after disaster has struck. These workers often battle violence, local diseases and hunger while attempting to save lives and provide relief to those most in need.

This year celebrates Women Humanitarians and their undying contribution in making the world a better place. Women Humanitarians hold a sense of unparalleled uniqueness; one that adds to the global momentum of female strength, power and perseverance. It is time to honor the women who have acted as first responders to the darkest hours of crisis.

2019 honours the work of women in crises throughout the world. It focuses on the unsung heroines who have long been working on the front lines in their own communities in some of the most difficult terrains.  The year salutes the efforts of women aid workers from across the world, who rally to people in need.

Women make up a large number of those who risk their lives to save others. They are often the first to respond and the last to leave. These women deserve to be celebrated. They are needed today as much as ever to strengthen the global humanitarian response. World leaders as well as non-state actors must ensure that they, and indeed all humanitarians, are guaranteed the protection afforded to them under international law. This year’s campaign on Women Humanitarians supports the recognition that women deserve in the strengthening of global humanitarian response as well as in protection efforts under the international law.

Everyone’s support is needed in honoring those women who have tirelessly improved many lives, showcasing incredible strength along the way. Again, the plight of civilians around the world who have become caught up in conflicts, deserve to be celebrated too and also honoured.  Support should be raised for the humanitarian workers who risk, and sometimes, lose their lives to help.

Over one hundred and thirty million people globally are currently in crisis, either through war or natural disasters and are in need of humanitarian aid. Humanitarians provide life-saving assistance to these people. They place their own lives at risk to help others in conflict zones and areas of natural hazards.

More than 700 humanitarian workers have either died or experienced the most dangerous situations while trying to help those in need. Humanitarians provide support for different world challenges such as hunger, gender-based violence, refugees and displaced people, help for children, as well as clean water and access to sanitation.

Today, the number of people affected by natural disasters has risen over the past decades, and about two hundred and eleven million people are directly affected each year. Women and children are affected most because of their struggles with poverty, insecurity, hunger, poor health and environmental factors.

There are new and difficult challenges that arise each year that will require more flexible funding and adaptable humanitarian work. The increasing economic crisis and global challenges, such as poverty, global health problems, price increases and the rising number of people on the move, increases the need for humanitarians, especially women, each year.

No doubt, the humanitarian women of honour are with the power of humanity, which is the power of God because God is the owner of humanity!

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