People working as social activists and in the field of humanities aren’t safe. And the problem doubles when you’re a woman!

Inter-Agency Standing Committee, an inter-agency for humanitarian assistance, has recently released a Zero Tolerance Statement. The statement is issued against frequent and systemic discrimination, harassment and abuses that women working in the aid sector face.

It all began when Rosalia Gitau, an aid professional, spoke with her other four female friends about their experiences of gender-based discrimination. The five female workers could relate to all the incidents on-job and expressed how the ‘helping field’ was unable to help itself.

They outlined a survey that was distributed amongst other female aid professionals they knew. They also asked them to pass on the chain and make the survey accessible to all. In next 60 days, some 1,000 women participated in the survey and revealed heart-wrenching experiences.

The data says that around 48% humanitarian female workers were touched inappropriately by their male colleagues. 4% of them were even forced to have sexual relations. When it came to discrimination, harassment or sexual assault, around 26% of those professionals had bad experiences, with 16% quitting their jobs and 7% leaving the field altogether.

At that, only 31% reported it officially and 51% women felt that their organizations don’t do all they could in their power to make them feel safe.

With these data in hand, IASC had taken its first step to secure women in the field of humanitarian works. The released statement says, “Everyone has the right to live their lives free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and abuse, including in the workplace” and that the “[IASC] will redouble [its] efforts to ensure that all… staff are aware of and comply with, their rights to, and their responsibilities in maintaining, a workplace free of discrimination, harassment or abuse.”

After the organization has been able to recognize hindrance on the pathway of female workers, they call upon women to come and speak about it. Rosalia Gitau says, “Let’s work together to build our base and develop our platform. Let’s pool our data and see where we have similarities or differences. Let’s share what has worked for reforming our respective industries and what has not. Let’s share pitfalls and opportunities on this long road to gender equality that I sincerely believe the letter is well within our grasp. To kick off this spirit of sharing, you can find all our data and our guides on getting involved at www.humanitarianwomensnetwork.org or e-mail at womeninaidwork@gmail.com.”

Are we ready to make the change?