The Action Network is composed of 31 members from politics, business, and civil society ranging from all continents of the world. We strive for equal representation of all regions, with particular importance being placed on regions where displacement is most prevalent. Our network is supported by a partner structure which strengthens our efforts. The partner structure consists of high-level figures from academia, business, and politics.
The Action Network is connected with the Funding Initiative on Forced Displacement. Hosted by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, the fund fosters the political and economic participation of women and girls in displacement contexts. Our network members decide on the selection of countries for funding and are involved in the selection of the projects alongside national steering committees. With generous funding of over 30 million euros, the Funding Initiative has been active in 11 countries, supporting around 150 grassroots projects. Learn more.
We are under the auspices of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and value the strong support and trusted partnership. The federally owned enterprise GIZ provides technical and administrative support to our network. As the Action Network on Forced Displacement, we retain full independence in our decision-making, strategic direction and public relations.
Why we care about meaningful participation of displaced women
At the end of June 2024, the number of forcibly displaced people worldwide was estimated at 122.6 million (UNHCR). Displacement poses major challenges for women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the elderly, children and other marginalised groups. They are often exposed to enormous physical and psychosocial risks, like gender-based violence, and live under extremely difficult circumstances. These groups also tend to be excluded from political and economic processes, particularly in times of displacement.
However, when coping with crises, displaced women and other marginalised groups have repeatedly shown tremendous resilience and strength. They often play a key role in mastering everyday life and ensuring social cohesion in displacement situations. Realising their rights and advocating for their equal participation is central to preventing, overcoming, and transforming crises, especially in the context of displacement.
We believe that displaced women and other marginalised groups can be important actors of positive change if their voices are taken seriously in all aspects of political, social and economic life. In turn, society benefits from their meaningful participation, as it leads to a better understanding of needs and more targeted, impactful solutions.
Our understanding of forced displacement spans all geographical contexts, as well as all stages and forms of forced displacement. It includes internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons and returnees. Members recognize that ultimately, the experiences of displaced women and other marginalised groups must be seen as intersectional. Their experiences overlap with age, race, sexuality, disabilities, belief, among others, which can amplify vulnerabilities. For this reason, we work with an intersectional approach.