Age, gender and diversity64

Real or perceived differences in personal characteristics significantly influence our experiences, opportunities, capacities,needs and vulnerabilities. Conflict and displacement frequently exacerbate inequality and deepen marginalization or exclusion,because they increase insecurity, damage social support structures, reduce income generating opportunities, and change socialand physical environments (among other shocks).

Age, gender, disability and other forms of diversity are universally present in societies. It is vital to consider them, andthe way they intersect, during all phases of the humanitarian programme cycle in order to ensure that all affected persons,including those with disabilities, can assert their human rights and participate fully in the humanitarian response. Equally,to meet their duty of accountability to affected populations, humanitarian actors must recognize that the intersection ofage, gender, disability and other forms of diversity impacts the resilience, protection and safety of members of affectedpopulations differently. To illustrate, older women with disabilities may be at risk of gender-based violence due to age-related discrimination, gendernorms and barriers related to disability; adolescent girls with disabilities may be excluded from decision-making because of discriminationon the basis of disability and gender norms; boys with disabilities may be at risk of recruitment by armed groups, because of their age and disability.

To mitigate the impact of humanitarian crises, it is important to understand how crises reduce the capacity of affected personswith disabilities to access and participate in humanitarian assistance and protection. To avoid discrimination and injustice,it is essential to reach all segments of affected populations, not just those who are more visible.

These guidelines consider persons with disabilities in terms of their age, gender, psychosocial status and background.

Age

Age refers to socially and contextually defined stages in a person's life cycle. A person's capacities and requirements changeas they age. Age can enhance or diminish a person's capacity to exercise their rights. In order to develop responses thatare appropriate for different age groups (children, young adults, mature adults, older persons with disabilities), humanitarianactors must consider the different needs, barriers and threats that persons with disabilities face at different points intheir life cycle.

Gender

Gender refers to socially constructed differences between females, males, and others, and the relationships between and amongthem, throughout the life cycle. These differences are context- and time-specific and change over time within and across cultures.Gender, together with age, sexual orientation and gender identity, determines roles, responsibilities, power and access toresources. Outcomes are also affected by other diversity factors, such as disability, social class, race, caste, ethnic orreligious background, economic wealth, marital status, migrant status, displacement, and urban or rural location.65 To ensure that all affected persons with disabilities have safe and equal access to humanitarian assistance and protection,therefore, humanitarian actors must design programmes that take into account the range of gender identities and sexual orientationsof persons with disabilities in the communities they serve.

Diversity

Diversity refers to differences in values, attitudes, cultural perspectives, beliefs, ethnic background, nationality, sexualorientation, gender identity, health, social status, impairments, and other specific personal characteristics. While age andgender dimensions are present in everyone, other characteristics vary from person to person. If they are to protect and assistall affected people, including persons with disabilities, and encourage their participation, humanitarian actors must recognize,understand and value these differences.