August 19 is World Humanitarian Day. The occasion is used to honor aid workers around the world who risk their lives to help save and improve the lives of others.  For the 2019 commemoration, the United Nations System in Ghana in collaboration with National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) celebrated the day with a panel discussion to highlight the challenges faced by humanitarian workers especially, women humanitarian workers in Accra.

On behalf of the United Nations, Niyi Ojuolape stated that “this year, we pay special tribute to women humanitarians and the huge difference they make for millions of women, men and children in urgent need. Women humanitarians are in the frontlines of supporting civilians caught up in crisis to address disease outbreaks”.

He saluted all humanitarian workers especially women who sacrifice their dignity for the well-being of a section of humanity caught up in wars, disasters and in disease outbreaks.

An Ethiopian refugee and a humanitarian worker, Sarah shared that, her work as both a refugee and a humanitarian worker has come with many challenges mostly because she is a woman but her determination is to see others fulfilled and dignified.

In a welcome remarks, Christian Polner, Chair of UN Inter-agency Working Group noted  that “impacted by conflict, violence, and natural disasters, women and girls in emergencies are at heightened risk of gender-based violence and exploitation, early and forced marriages, unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortions as well as maternal and child mortality”.

He reiterated UN’s commitment to build up the resilience of communities and also to continue to work closely with NADMO in humanitarian issues.

The panel discussion was made up of representatives from UN, NADMO, DOVVSU and Sarah the Ethiopian refugee and humanitarian worker who shared experiences on their work to deepen the public understanding of humanitarian issues in Ghana.

The United Nations Systems in Ghana comprising of United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) in a photo exhibition showcased their humanitarian work in Ghana to the public.