Justice in all projects: our cross-cutting issues

Since 2024, AWO International has made gender equality, inclusion, and environmental protection mandatory cross-cutting issues in all humanitarian projects. By doing so, we are consistently upholding our five core values: solidarity, tolerance, freedom, equality and justice.

Why cross-cutting issues?

AWO International carries out over 50 humanitarian and development projects worldwide. Our vision is of a just world in which everyone acts and thinks in solidarity. To realise this vision, secure a liveable planet for future generations and enable equal participation, we have defined three central themes with colleagues from our regional offices:

Our cross-cutting issues

The illustration shows four people identifying as female on a gender equality sign.

1. Gender equality

We are committed to achieving gender equality in all areas of life. Women and marginalised genders are particularly affected by crises. This is why we actively involve them in the decision-making processes for our projects, from planning to implementation.

Examples from practice:

In emergency situations: We distribute hygiene kits containing sanitary pads, diapers, flashlights, and culturally appropriate clothing for women and men.
In project design: We create safe spaces for women of all ages, mothers, and children. In camps, we ensure there are separate, well-lit and lockable toilets and washing facilities.
In the long term: Women will take on leadership roles in community groups and actively participate in decision-making, for example regarding income allocation or resource procurement.

The illustration shows several people, one of whom is sitting in a wheelchair. A large arrow points upwards.

2. Inclusion:

We ensure that everyone can participate on an equal footing. People with disabilities, older people and those belonging to marginalised groups are often overlooked. Our projects are designed to reach everyone, regardless of physical, social or language barriers.

Practical examples:

In emergencies: We prioritise people with disabilities and ensure they have access to relief supplies, for example through special distribution channels, transport or health support.
During reconstruction: We install ramps, handrails and wide doors, particularly in post-disaster reconstruction projects. We also distribute aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames.
In the long term: We set up inclusive warning systems that take various limitations into account, incorporating visible signs, photos, bells, flags and local languages.

The illustration shows people working together in the fields.

3. Climate and environmental protection

We combat the effects of the climate crisis and protect the environment. The climate crisis hits hardest those who have contributed least to it. This is why we incorporate climate and environmental protection into all our humanitarian projects, from reducing plastic waste to promoting climate-resilient agriculture.

Practical examples:

In emergency situations: Instead of single-use plastic, we use paper bags or reusable sacks. We distribute solar lamps instead of battery-powered ones. We work with local suppliers who offer environmentally friendly products.
During reconstruction: We promote climate-friendly livestock farming and use renewable energies, such as solar panels and biogas, as well as energy-saving stoves. We support the use of organic fertilisers and pesticides.
In the long term: We plant food trees, promote sustainable forestry and introduce climate-smart agriculture, including crop rotation, mixed cultivation and drought-resistant seeds (which are not genetically modified).

Show solidarity and donate now!

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20 € Glasses for a person with visual impairment

92 € Healthcare for pregnant women

142 € Material support for setting up a learning center for climate-smart technologies

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From theory to practice: our guidelines

Systematically embedding these issues in everyday project work requires practical tools and collaborative learning. That is why, in a participatory process with colleagues from our regional offices in Guatemala, Nepal, Uganda, the Philippines, Germany and Ukraine, we have developed the Guideline for Crosscutting Issues.

The guideline offers more than just theory: it provides practical examples, checklists and recommendations for action. It supports our partner organisations worldwide in systematically implementing gender equality, inclusion, and climate protection in their work.

A woman holds a cloth pad in her hands and speaks. Other women listen.

In educational programs, girls and women learn more about personal hygiene and healthy nutrition.

A woman waters a sustainable cultivation area.

In Uganda, organic farming secures people's food supply while protecting the environment.

A group of people are sitting at a large table. One person is sitting in a wheelchair.

In El Salvador, communities are collaborating to create inclusive disaster preparedness strategies that protect everyone in the event of a crisis.

A group of women are standing together. They are holding handmade garments in their hands.

Practical training courses are helping women in the Philippines to strengthen their economic independence and open up new opportunities to earn their own income.

Two elderly people are squatting on the ground holding a watermelon.

In our project in Nepal, farmers are learning how to farm successfully and sustainably despite changing rainy seasons.

Children sit together at a table and draw. Two children are in wheelchairs.

Mobility aids, physical therapy and counselling: Supporting children and adults with disabilities in Syria.

Project examples: cross-cutting issues

Zwei Frauen sitzen an einem Tisch und nähen Binden

South AsiaNepal

Empowering women and girls in Nepal

AWO International and CEAPRED are improving women's health in Kapilvastu, Nepal, by providing sustainable solutions for nutrition, hygiene, and preventive care, and by combatting undersupply and health risks for women and girls.

The picture shows women sitting in a circle on the floor. There is a bowl of rice in the middle, and some of them are pouring more rice into it.

South AsiaBangladesh

Good harvests instead of climate crisis

Northern Bangladesh is one of the poorest regions in the country. The climate crisis is an additional threat to people's livelihoods. As a result, more and more families are leaving their home villages. This is where our project with our partner organisation Gana Unnayan Kendra comes in. Together, we are creating future prospects for families living on river islands.

In the picture, three women are sitting outside a house. They are talking and laughing.

Central AmericaEl SalvadorGuatemala

Disaster Risk Reduction for All

People with disabilities often have less access to education and social participation. Discrimination and exclusion make their daily lives even more difficult. During natural disasters in Central America, this can be life-threatening. In Guatemala and El Salvador, AWO International is committed to inclusive disaster preparedness and comprehensive support for people with disabilities in their daily lives.