Our response to emergencies
The impact of conflict on
the most vulnerable
Right now, we are seeing a rise in conflict around the world, with conflict causing recent humanitarian emergencies in Gaza, Mozambique, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In communities around the world living in extreme poverty, it is often women and children who suffer the most when conflict or emergencies strike. Your support can help women and children who are vulnerable to gender-based violence, lack basic items such as food and hygiene supplies, and are suffering from the psychological effects of war and conflict.
ActionAid’s response to Conflict: Creating Safe Spaces…
During times of conflict, ActionAid staff are on the ground working directly with women and children in affected communities to provide life saving aid and access to the support services they need.
Unfortunately, gender-based violence increases during and after emergencies, and often women and girls are specifically targeted for sexual violence.
ActionAid’s ‘Safe Spaces’ ensure women fleeing conflict can shelter in safety and receive essentials such as food, hygiene kits and medical or psychological aid.
They also provide a safe space for women to come together, form friendships, allies and support.
…and supporting women-led response to emergencies
While ensuring the safety of women and children during conflict or emergencies is paramount, we also know that women bring vital skills and experience during conflict.
Training women in vulnerable communities on how to prepare and respond when disaster or conflict strike is vital. Your donation supports women with training on women’s rights, leadership skills and disaster preparedness.
It is essential that there are women on the ground responding to emergencies for women’s issues and gender inequality to be recognised and addressed.
Women trained by ActionAid to be leaders in emergencies are providing first hand, emergency response including running protection services and first aid support at our Safe Spaces.
Can you support women and families be ready for when the next disaster strikes?
How you can support survivors of conflict
Every donation will make a real difference in the lives of women and children who suffer the most when emergencies or conflict arise. A one-off donation is a fantastic start, but it’s crucial that women receive long term support— whatever it takes. From creating safe spaces for women and children in conflicts to making sure women are part of essential crisis-response decision-making, your support could transform entire communities and save lives.
ActionAid’s Response: Gaza Conflict
Gaza is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or child right now. Nearly half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population are children, whose lives have been torn apart since Israel launched its retaliation for the brutal Hamas attacks of October 7, in which more than 1,200 people were killed. Since then, two mothers are killed every hour, with 70% of civilian fatalities being women and children.
Despite the dire circumstances, our local partners have supported 96,000 people to date, including by putting up tents, distributing food and hygiene packages and providing psychosocial support.
ActionAid’s Response:
Syria/Turkey Earthquake
One year on from the devasting earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey in February 2023, ActionAid’s response has reached more than 197,000 people, through search and rescue operations, providing food and shelter, mental health support and creating safe spaces for women.
Our local partner in Syria, Violet, has worked tirelessly to help survivors, more than half of whom had already been displaced by the civil war in the country. At the Ain al-Bayda hospital, which is funded by ActionAid more than 27,000 people have received urgent medical care.
Safaa, a mother of three, had her home destroyed in the war, so she and her family were already living in a camp when the earthquake hit. She says: “In the past, we did not know where to go. Hospitals are far away, and we didn’t have any here. But now we have this hospital and it’s excellent. They give us medicines and everything we need. My son had a hernia operation in the hospital. The service was very good, and the doctors are excellent.’’
How your donation will be used
By giving a monthly donation, you can help ensure that during times of conflict and crisis, women, children and families around the world are supported without delay.
Other ways to get involved
Give a monthly gift
A monthly gift is one of the most effective ways to support our work. Your ongoing contribution provides reliable funding that helps us plan ahead, respond quickly to urgent needs, and deliver lasting support to the communities we serve.
Campaign with Us
We’re a women’s rights organisation campaigning in solidarity with women around the world, who are on the frontlines of the climate crisis, conflicts
and emergencies.
There are practical ways you can be part of that today. Here you can access meaningful opportunities to take action
through a trusted community creating change worldwide.
ActionAid tax giving
Did you know that by simply completing the below form you can help ActionAid reclaim thousands of euro at no extra cost?
If you have donated €250 or more in one year, your signature is worth – at a minimum – an extra €112. This is of no additional cost to you, but it can make a huge difference to the communities we support.
Donate for Gaza
Thousands of families in Gaza are struggling to access the essentials needed to survive. Food, clean water, healthcare, and safe shelter remain urgently needed as communities work to rebuild their lives.
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From birthdays and challenges to community events, every effort helps us continue our mission and expand our impact.
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Learn more about leaving a gift in your Will here.