Sydney Tuesday 15 September

Humanitarian, Aid and Development teams are often seen as heroic and dauntless saviours of people in distress following natural disasters, or in conflicts zones, but can also be viewed with suspicion by communities who do not know them, or even as infiltrators of foreign States or international powers. 

The reality is more straightforward – hard working, capable humanitarian aid teams bring specialist knowledge and skills to work alongside local community organisations and individuals who are well placed to deliver lifesaving care and support.

Much of the work starts before a crisis having communities and logistics prepared and we know that when women are involved in the emergency preparation and response, the impact is more tangible: suspicion is lower, communication is often better, more lives are saved, communities recover faster and they build greater resilience to future crises.

Come to our next WiAD events to hear from experienced leaders on how Humanitarian, Aid and Development teams prepare their organisations, teams, community partners and local leaders and how they work and survive in a volatile environment. 

An unmissable event.

SPEAKERS

Sophie McNamara

Sophie is a communications leader and former journalist with experience across medical journalism, international development, and humanitarian aid. As Head of Communications at Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Australia and New Zealand, she leads strategic communications, media engagement, content production, and brand storytelling.

Sophie began her career in journalism, working for publications including the Medical Journal of Australia, before moving into international development and communications roles with UNICEF and MSF, including roles in Bangladesh, Sierra Leone and Papua New Guinea.  

Carol Angir

The Deputy Head of Programs at ActionAid, Carol has more than 15 years of experience working directly with communities and women’s rights movements on projects addressing violence against women and promoting women’s access to justice in conflict and post-conflict zones. Her experience spans countries across Africa, Eastern Europe and Central and South Asia.