How The Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund Supports Women And Girls

Canada is known as a nation of helpers. We’re a global leader in supporting humanitarian crises worldwide, and it’s through programs like the Canadian Humanitarian Assistance Fund (CHAF) that Canada executes its world-renowned level of support.

CHAF delivers fast, life-saving support in emergencies around the globe—providing food, shelter, clean water and health services to over 2.3 million people since 2014. Part of that work includes supporting women and girls, recognizing their leadership and unique needs.

“Disasters affect everyone, but not in the same way,” explains Bren Melles, manager of humanitarian programs for the Humanitarian Coalition. "Women and girls often face greater risks. They are more likely to lose income because they often work in informal jobs that are easily disrupted. They may struggle to get the essential health care they need during pregnancy and childbirth. When safety systems break down, shelters become overcrowded and support systems disappear, women and girls face higher risks of gender-based violence."

Through activities like providing emergency reproductive health services, creating safe spaces for women and girls and distributing dignity kits with menstrual hygiene items, CHAF projects prioritize the specific needs of women and girls and reduce barriers to their participation and protection.

Global Affairs Canada provides most of the funding for CHAF, supporting Canada’s leadership in humanitarian response. Humanitarian Coalition member agencies bring expertise and operational capacity in partnership with communities to bring support to where it’s needed most.

Creating safe spaces for women’s leadership in times of crisis

One example of CHAF’s work to create safe spaces for women is in Chad, a landlocked country in central Africa. As one of the lowest-income countries in the world, Chad is particularly vulnerable to climate change with high risks of both droughts and floods. In July 2024, heavy rainfall caused massive flooding that killed more than 500 people, destroyed fields, collapsed houses and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.

Through CHAF, Humanitarian Coalition member Oxfam-Québec responded quickly to urgent humanitarian needs with a focus on women and girls. Women-headed households, who are often more economically vulnerable because of low-wage jobs and caregiving responsibilities, were prioritized for emergency cash assistance. In addition, door-to-door awareness campaigns sensitized people on gender-based violence, and the project supported 150 survivors to get access to medical, psychosocial and legal services.

“Risks for gender-based violence often rise during disasters, when support systems are disrupted, communities are split apart and people are forced into overcrowded temporary shelters,” says Melles.

Responding to under-reported emergencies

CHAF aims to deliver life-saving aid quickly when disasters strike, no matter where they are or how reported on they are. “Many emergencies do not make headlines, but they still leave communities in urgent need,” says Melles. “CHAF ensures that Humanitarian Coalition members respond rapidly, reaching people who might otherwise be overlooked. Quick action also helps prevent situations from getting worse due to a delayed response.”

Canada’s global humanitarian response is rooted in the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. The key is in supporting the people who need help as quickly as possible, particularly those who are least likely to have ready access to resources, like women and girls.

“Supporting lesser-known crises helps ensure that aid reaches all people in need, not just those in high-profile emergencies,” emphasizes Melles. “CHAF is one way Canada demonstrates global solidarity, positions itself as a leader in humanitarian action and reinforces its reputation as a responsible global actor.”

By prioritizing aid and protection to women and girls during emergencies, CHAF helps address their unique challenges. CHAF also raises awareness to prevent gender-based violence, highlighting the critical role of protection in humanitarian emergencies, all the more so when resources are scarce.

Learn more at humanitariancoalition.ca.