Humanitarian actors in Slovakia enhance their knowledge on gender in humanitarian action

24 May 2023 – Over thirty humanitarian actors working in the Slovakia Refugee Response gathered in Bratislava for a one-day training on gender in humanitarian action. The training was jointly hosted by UN Women and Mareena – a local NGO working on integration and social cohesion.  

It aimed at enhancing the knowledge and understanding of refugee response partners on the critical role that gender plays in humanitarian action as well as to explore strategies for integrating gender equality and women’s empowerment into response efforts.

“The training was extremely useful for organizations working in the humanitarian sector as it introduces useful tools that can help them mainstream gender into their programming,” said Katarína Bajziková, Manager of Integration Activities at Mareena.

The participants were also introduced to gender-transformative practices which aim to address the specific needs and priorities of women, girls, and other marginalized groups affected by crises.

Rebeca Acin, Gender and Humanitarian Specialist at UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, emphasized that “the gender dimensions of the refugee experiences are complex and intersect with a range of vulnerabilities that must be taken into consideration when designing and developing programme interventions. The training helped us explore key concepts, learn practical tools, and engage in dynamic discussions that allowed us to deepen our understanding of gender-responsive approaches.”

The training was organized by UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia within the framework of the inter-agency Slovakia 2023 Refugee Response Plan supported by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration of the U.S. Department of State.