Addressing care in times of conflict and crisis

Over the past decades, conflicts and crises have intensified worldwide. The convergence of armed conflict, climate shocks, and economic instability has intensified humanitarian needs, strained peacebuilding and recovery efforts, and increased care demands. These crises are mutually reinforcing: conflict and displacement increase care pressures and humanitarian needs, which in turn limit women’s participation in humanitarian action and peace and security processes—undermining recovery and prospects for peace.

Care work—paid and unpaid—holds families and communities together yet remains unrecognized and is often provided by women and girls. Women and women-led organizations provide essential frontline care, protection, and support, but their unequal care responsibilities often exclude them from humanitarian coordination and peace and security decision-making. Meanwhile, the rights and dignity of those who need care—especially displaced populations, older persons, the sick, and children—are weakened by gaps in services, resources, and institutional accountability.

This guidance note bridges the women, peace and security, humanitarian action, and women’s economic empowerment agendas to address a critical knowledge gap. It advances a gender-transformative approach to care in crises and conflicts, recognizing care as a lifeline in emergencies, a cornerstone of recovery, and a foundation for lasting peace. Designed for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers with a focus on conflict- and crisis-affected contexts, it includes key principles, guiding questions, key actions, and case studies to understand and respond to shifting care dynamics—from prevention and preparedness to recovery and peace—addressing care challenges while advancing longer-term gender equality outcomes.