Vital Voices CRISIS READINESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY

The Vital Voices Crisis Readiness, Response and Recovery Team supports women leaders at this watershed moment when the voices and activism of inclusive, innovative women leaders are more essential than ever. The Team partners with women leaders to respond to the unacceptable but rising severity of violence, disasters, and other acute global crises. They also work with women leaders to increase their readiness, so they are better prepared to respond when a crisis occurs and recover once the crisis has passed.

Women leaders tell us that because of support from the Vital Voices Crisis Fund they are better able to counter threats to their lives and livelihoods. This includes staying safe amidst civil unrest and war, countering the assault of online violence, overcoming climate impacts and recovering from natural disasters. You can help support the essential work of women leaders fighting for change, by donating directly to the Vital Voices Crisis Fund.

Learn more about our Crisis Response work below.

Morocco Earthquake Response, January 2024

Our model

The Crisis Team deploys rapid and immediate support based on its 3R Model of Readiness, Response, and Recovery. We designed, tested, and continue to refine the 3rd Model for women leaders working with their communities to take on the globe’s greatest challenges. Our support includes legal assistance, relocation, psychosocial, medical aid, security, livelihoods, countering digital threats, and strategies for countering and responding to threats of arrest.

Crisis Response

We support women leaders from any region of the world facing or responding to an acute or immediate threat to their safety, well-being or life’s work. The program provides small and short-term emergency funds and case management. To learn more about eligibility and the application process, visit Crisis Response Fund.

Crisis Readiness

The Crisis Readiness Program for Women Leaders partners and supports women leaders to reduce their risks and implement a plan to protect themselves, their organizations, and their communities. Women leaders in the program learn how to develop actionable safety plans to:

Counter online violence and stay safe online

Respond to war and civil conflicts

Safeguard against arrests and government targeting

Evacuate during climate and other emergencies

Sustain mental health and well-being

Vital Voices piloted and developed the Crisis Readiness Program in close collaboration with Vital Voices network leaders through a series of focus groups and user testing. Vital Voices is scaling the program to reach across the Vital Voices Global Network and beyond.

CRISIS RECOVERY

We work with women leaders after a crisis or threat has passed and are in a position of safety, to help them sustain their life’s work and well-being. Women leaders who are previous recipients of the Crisis Fund are eligible for small, accountable Recovery grants and inclusion in our Readiness program. Our assistance also includes: