The University of Nairobi in partnership with the French Embassy in Kenya is hosting a four-day Photograph Exhibition dubbed ‘Humanitarian Women’ the exhibition will run from December 7 -10, 2021 at the University of Nairobi Towers, Ground Floor. This activity is a celebration of women who have dedicated their efforts towards assisting those affected by humanitarian emergencies. Women are depicted at the forefront of humanitarian activity as opposed to being mere recipients of humanitarian aid. They play a vital role in humanitarian response by providing healthcare, acting as mediators, delivering emergency supplies, logistics and many more.
Humanitarian emergencies tend to have devastating consequences on communities and individuals; this is because pre-existing inequalities are exacerbated by conflict which leads to discrimination and exploitation inhibiting access to humanitarian, recovery and development assistance. The most vulnerable people in humanitarian emergencies are always women, persons with disabilities, children and the elderly. Historically, these groups have been disproportionately affected by crises compared to men.
Thus, having women in humanitarian action provides a lens through which their organizations/team can emphasize the needs of different demographics to ensure that their rights are upheld. These women know how to deal with highly sensitive situations, they provide comfort to marginalized groups as these people can freely talk about their struggles. They are a vital element in situations to do with conflict or disasters because they put compassion at the forefront especially when there is a need to address gender-based violence, sexual health and reproductive rights; their presence breeds resilience as nurturing comes naturally to them.
Speaking at the Humanitarian Women launch, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen G. Kiama noted that the photograph exhibition was a good platform for the University community to learn more about humanitarian emergencies in different parts of the world.
“This exhibition is bringing into focus what is happening in Asia, South America and other parts of Africa; it is an eye-opener to our staff and students on the numerous opportunities for internships, fellowship, volunteer work and employment available in places in need of humanitarian assistance including our own backyard, Kakuma Refugee Camp. I am confident that they will rise up to the challenge and respond accordingly.”
The Officer for Education and French at the French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia, Ms. Laurence Mondesir, explained the core message that the exhibition was trying to deliver.
“This exhibition is putting in the limelight the importance of women in the humanitarian sector with a panel of around 20 photographs. You can see women working in their environment supporting, providing assistance and rescuing those in need. This exhibition emphasizes the role of women not only as beneficiaries of humanitarian aid in various countries, through various institutions but also as stakeholders in humanitarian aid.”
“You have seen that the captions are in three languages; French, English and Kiswahili thus providing various linguistic options, this exhibition is promoting multilingualism.”
On his part, the Programme Coordinator, Secours Islamique France, Mr. Daniel Irungu explained what inspired him to get into the humanitarian field.
“While I was at Starehe Boys Centre, we were encouraged to offer services outside the normal academic work. Two of my holidays, I spent offering services in Nairobi Hospital. I could see the faces of people who were suffering, there was a look of satisfaction. I also got satisfaction from offering services to them.”
Mr. Irungu further explained that although there was a risk associated with being at the frontline of humanitarian activities being passionate about the job and helping those in need was well worth it.
Action Against Hunger’s Head of Programmes, Ms. Jemimah Khamadi highlighted the risks associated with being a woman in humanitarian action.
“Women have really come to the forefront in terms of response. This year, approximately 250,000 women are frontline humanitarian workers. This comes with its own challenges.
We have seen a lot of changes in terms of women coming out, though they face a lot of issues in terms of kidnappings or violence, there is a pride that comes with providing humanitarian assistance.”
Mr. Khamadi narrated her own experiences in the field.
“When I was taking up my first responsibility, I was taken to the borders of Turkana and West Pokot. It’s a very fragile environment with the issue cattle rustling and gunshots.”
Despite the challenges, she encouraged everyone to get out of their comfort zone and go out there to help in whatever capacity that they could.
Source: University of Nairobi