Why does OCHA need a policy on gender equality?
There are several reasons: First, there is growing evidence that understanding gender relations and inequalities can help improve humanitarian assistance. Not all people are vulnerable in the same way; nor do they have the same capacities. Although varying from place to place, women tend to have greater responsibilities for children and the home while men have greater exposure to actors outside of the home. There can also be significant differences between women and men regarding access to education or in confidence when addressing political authorities. Understanding these differences and inequalities can help identify needs, target assistance and ensure that the needs of the vulnerable are met. Second, within the UN system, there are commitments to using a gender perspective and working towards greater equality between women and men. These include Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and the ECOSOC resolution on gender mainstreaming. Other commitments have been made by the Inter-A
