The IRC is dedicated to fostering a truly transformative and inclusive global women’s movement by working in partnership with regional feminist networks, national women’s rights organizations, local and community-based groups, and activists. We believe it is critical to strengthen and support outreach to and meaningful engagement of actors in the global south throughout programming as reinforced by the Call to Action on Protection from GBV in Emergencies, localization commitments made as part of the Grand Bargain, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We aim to help translate these high level commitments into concrete results for women and girls and the organizations that support them.
The IRC is currently seeking to leverage global attention to the long-neglected issue of GBV in emergencies and the role of the local actors in humanitarian response through the Building Local, Thinking Global and Listen Up initiatives. Our approach is grounded in the following principles:
- Common foundation: We are driven by feminism and activism, and hold those central to our work together.
- Transformation: We work together to shift power and resources to local women and girls’ organizations to lead action in emergencies.
- Independence: We respect the autonomy and perspective of each member.
- Transparency: We are honest and open in our communication with each other.
- Mutual accountability: We are accountable to women and girls. We deliver on our commitments to each other, and contribute to collective action.
- Ownership and sustainability: We consider all members as equal owners, with voice and a role to play in determining our direction and priorities.
- Curiosity: We seek to learn, capture best practice, and adapt our approaches, and evolve our work.
- Solidarity: We are fueled by our commitment to end injustice and violence against women and girls.
- Influence: We demand that women and girls powerfully participate in humanitarian funding, strategies and policies.
