Behind-the-Scenes: How investing in women is investing in sustainable communities

Conflicts. Poverty. Hunger. Displacement. Climate change. Our world is facing multiple crises, putting extra pressure on vulnerable communities, and widening inequalities. That is why achieving gender equality is more vital than ever and investing in women is key to progress, according to Katie Ogwang. 

Welcome to "Humanitarians at Work," UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency's biweekly newsletter where we share motivations, challenges, and advice from staff working in the humanitarian sector. If you would like an exclusive sneak peek into the lives of humanitarian workers and tips on how to get started in the sector, please subscribe.  

In this edition, we are kicking off International Women’s Day with our colleague Katie, a Senior Community-Based Protection Officer based in Nairobi, Kenya. She helps ensure that people forced to flee know their rights, have access to basic services and are empowered as drivers of protection and solutions in their communities. Her belief in people and her positive attitude are at the heart of her work and she believes that the best solutions come from refugees themselves. 

Ready? Let's get started! 

📹 Discover a day in the life of a UNHCR Community-Based Protection Officer. Watch this #JobIn30Seconds video: 

At the prime of my time, I felt a strong desire to make a difference in the world. Straight out of school, I started working with communities affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Northern Uganda, focusing on child protection in emergencies. Then I took up a position in the local government in Apac and Lira, Northern Uganda, and working daily with children impacted by domestic violence and families in crisis, inspired me to contribute more. 

I was motivated by the displaced communities that I worked with, and  had a desire to  create a positive impact, so when I found the opportunity to work at UNHCR I was eager to join. I was assigned to one of the oldest refugee settlements in northern Uganda, where I witnessed the challenges first-hand, including an attack on the refugee settlement by the LRA insurgents. I followed the affected refugees to Kiryandongo  where they had been relocated to and played a key role in establishing the Kiryandongo refugee settlement. 

One, ensuring that refugees know about their rights and that those rights are well protected and guarded. 

Two, empowering the community and ensuring that they engage and participate. 

Three, being the reason for refugees to smile. 

Working with refugee-led organizations is something I strongly advocate for. These organizations are rooted in the community and possess knowledge of their own needs and solutions. I believe this approach should have been promoted from the beginning, as communities, whether displaced or not, understand themselves best and hold valuable insights into potential solutions. My commitment is to empower these communities, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their agency is recognized in addressing the challenges they face. 

I strongly believe in promoting collaboration with women-led organizations for several reasons. Firstly, these organizations offer a better understanding of local cultures, customs, and legal frameworks in the countries where they operate. This understanding is crucial for effective problem-solving. 

Secondly, investing in women-led organizations can be more cost-effective. They focus on local solutions, such as procuring sanitary pads locally, which is not only inexpensive but also addresses critical needs and contributes to local economies. By building on existing technologies and practices, we can cut down on costs and improve sustainability.

Thirdly, when it comes to addressing issues like gender-based violence (GBV), working with women-led organizations is essential. They possess unique insights into their communities and can better tackle the root causes of problems. Promoting gender equality through education, especially for girls, is a powerful tool. 

Overcoming inequality for women is a form of generational change. To bring such a change, I firmly believe that education for all is the key. Education, both formal and informal, enlightens women with innovative ideas which is crucial for their employment. 

Empowering women and girls and investing in women-led organizations is not just about addressing immediate needs during emergencies but also ensuring long-term sustainability. 

Women in the organization often struggle to balance personal aspirations, career, and family due to conflicting forces—wanting to be mothers while feeling pressure to excel in our careers. 

The dilemma is real, and as a woman, I've faced internal conflicts, questioning whether to prioritize family or career. This struggle becomes more prominent when deciding on duty stations, especially non-family duty stations that may impact family life. But I believe that when you do good in the world, it brings back positivity to your life and your family. This keeps me going forward. 

While UNHCR supports women with extended maternity leave and other special provisions, the competition with male colleagues is challenging. Men do not face the same struggles as women in balancing career and family.  

Having said that, I've noticed that male colleagues can be understanding and supportive. My approach is to initiate open discussions with everyone. I encourage dialogue, emphasizing the importance of collaborative decision-making. I believe in fighting for a worthy cause and pushing forward for positive change.

Come with humility. Acknowledge that not everything will go as planned. Being flexible and adaptable to circumstances is crucial when facing obstacles. 

Working in the humanitarian community can be challenging, when you come in with your own ideas, sometimes you can get humbled along the way. In this case, using humility as a coping mechanism helps.

My best day at work starts with embracing a positive mindset, acknowledging that "it is what it is, and it is well." I believe in being positive and giving my best to what I do. The key is to love what I do, and that, for me, defines a fulfilling and successful day at work. 

💙Stay connected. Interact with your family and with the people you love after office hours.

🤝Look at yourself and your team as a support system within. Build relationships and be kind to others. When in the field, including non-family duty stations, consider everyone as part of the same team, regardless of grade and levels. Being one team means being receptive, creating a comfortable and supportive environment, and working efficiently together towards a common gaol. 

💫Try to stay positive. Avoid negative toxic discussions, stay true to yourself, and just look forward to a good day. Adaptability and flexibility are crucial in finding alternative routes when the immediate path is not feasible. The ability to say "yes, this is where I should be headed" while acknowledging that the journey might take time, is important. 

🤔 Your thoughts? Comment below on what surprised you the most about Katie's role as a Senior Community-Based Protection Officer, or with any questions you might have about this role. 

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. Together with over 20,000 staff working around the world, we strive for a world where every person forced to flee can build a better future. 

📩Stay inspired by stories like Katie's and join us in our mission to make a difference by subscribing. 

Thank you for reading! 

See you in your inbox in two weeks,

Elif Güleç and Namrata Hazarika (UNHCR Social Media Team)