World Humanitarian Day Inclusivity and Diversity in Humanitarian Work: Advancing Equal Aid for All

Humanitarian work plays a crucial role in developing a better world for us all. As World Humanitarian Day passes, what more can we do to increase diversity within humanitarian work?

On the 19th of August every year, World Humanitarian Day takes place. This crucial event is a great moment in the calendar, giving us all a chance to look at ourselves and the lives that we lead in a better light. Today, the use of humanitarian work to help benefit those less fortunate is a cornerstone of the world that we live within. It is more important than ever, though, that we ensure that humanitarian work is diverse and inclusive. Anyone who wishes to help, or who needs help, should be within reach.

As World Humanitarian Day passes by, it is important that we focus on the vitality of diversity within the industry. Diverse perspectives are so important to humanitarian work as it can help to create more effective solutions, and to help those involved within the work understand the perspectives, reasonings, and ideas of those involved. 

Marginalized groups around the world face a great many challenges to overcome, many of which can be very difficult to understand for those on the outside looking in. As such, ensuring that humanitarian work can be more diverse will help to ensure that those who need help are assisted by those who care and understand in equal measure.

Many marginalized groups will face challenges in finding the help and support that they need. Accessing humanitarian aid can be much easier for those from communities that are seen as more ‘mainstream’ – those on the fringes of media interest, though, often find that it is nigh-impossible to receive the support they require.

The Benefits of Equal Aid Distribution

While humanitarian work is always designed to help benefit someone, equal aid distribution is still a long way away. Many communities that need the most help is left behind, while communities requiring more minor support might find themselves inundated with offers, help, and assistance with their specific problems. 

Thankfully, equal aid is an increasingly discussed topic. Equal aid can help to bring support and assistance to those who need it most. While any form of humanitarian work is well-received and desired, equal aid looks to ensure that *all* communities are given the same kind of help and support. 

Equal aid not only helps to bring the most marginalized of communities to a higher standard of living, but it can empower those within these communities to help others. Providing the best quality of aid to those in the toughest positions can give them the encouragement to return the favor to those facing equal – or greater – challenges. In short, humanitarian work can help to inspire others to take part and contribute themselves.

How Can We Boost Inclusivity In Humanitarian Work?

The main focus when it comes to boosting inclusivity and diversity within humanitarian work is to look at the practices involved in hiring. Having more diverse hiring practices and having a more diverse range of decision makers within humanitarian projects would go a long way to improving the results that are produced.

At the same time, too, doing more to involve those within local communities will help to ensure that humanitarian work is not only well-intentioned, but accurate to the needs of the individuals involved. Having people involved who can be more culturally sensitive, too, and to help understand the challenges that other cultures and communities face, would go a long way to ensuring that the future can be brighter for all involved.

Boosting inclusivity in any walk of life is not easy: within the sphere of humanitarian work, it is even more challenging. By focusing on factors like diverse hiring and local community involvement, though, we can ensure that humanitarian work is both more accurate and more effective to the needs and wants of the communities involved. 

The time has come for more to be done to help those organizations that do focus on providing equal aid and inclusivity. Finding local, regional, national, and international humanitarian efforts that you can support should be a priority for anyone looking to either contribute or volunteer. Please, focus on those who are committed to being as diverse and as inclusive as possible.