Humanitarian crises have long disrupted the lives of millions of people around the world. But when you look beyond the surface-level damage caused to towns and cities, it becomes clear that women and girls, in particular, statistically face additional risks. Humanitarian crises refer to any unfortunate emergency situations which threaten the health, safety and survival of a population. They may be triggered by a number of factors including but not limited to climate change, armed conflicts and natural disasters. For many women and girls, these emergencies also mean losing access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare while facing a heightened risk of gender-based violence. These are often overlooked consequences of humanitarian crises, yet they can have life-threatening and long-lasting effects. 

During humanitarian crises, particularly those driven by climate-related disasters, which is largely the factor affecting most of Pakistan’s humanitarian crises, families lose their shelter, food, lifestyle and are drawn apart in the struggle to find somewhere to seek safety. As a result many young children are left unoccupied with no parental support to protect them, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to abuse, trafficking, and sexual exploitation. Moreover, pregnant women are left stranded with no safety kits or necessary tools to help them deliver their babies safely, putting them and their unborn children at risk. For example, according to an article by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, Pakistan faced severe floods in 2022. The Pakistani government reported that no one was left unaffected by these floods but “vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and adolescent girls suffered the most.”  According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) an estimated 650,000 pregnant women were trapped following the flood crisis, while 73,000 women required urgent obstetric treatment due to impending deliveries.  In response, the UNFPA helped by providing “7411 newborn baby kits, 8311 menstrual kits and 6412 clean delivery kits on an emergency basis.”  

The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) is an internationally recognized package of life-saving Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services designed to be implemented at the onset of every humanitarian emergency. Its purpose is to reduce preventable illness and death by ensuring that women and girls continue to have access to essential healthcare during crises. The MISP focuses on preventing sexual violence, reducing maternal and newborn mortality, preventing unintended pregnancies, responding to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and strengthening the delivery of comprehensive SRH services. To support these efforts, humanitarian agencies also provide essential supplies such as clean delivery kits and establish safe spaces, including separate sanitation facilities, to help protect women and girls during emergencies. 

Many people may be restricted from accessing such services due to roadblocks such as living in areas that are harder to access geographically due to factors such as landsliding and such post natural disaster destructions. There may also be a shortage of the actual supplies and healthcare workers to cover all of the affected area. There can also be a cultural stigma against the receiving of such help services in some areas where topics like GBV and SRH are considered topics too taboo to be discussed openly. These challenges highlight the important role NGOs and humanitarian organisations play in ensuring that lifesaving services reach vulnerable communities as quickly and effectively as possible. 

Now, we progress to the main question. How can NGOs, governments and agencies help? Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between NGOs, governments, humanitarian agencies, and local communities. The aim is to support the implementation of MISP so that lifesaving SRH services are available from the earliest stages of every humanitarian emergency. The first goal in helping achieve this is to help spread awareness. When most people think of a humanitarian crisis, the issues that come to mind are usually limited to food, water and shelter. But we know that the consequences are wider than that. There should be a focus on bringing SRH into light as an equally compelling issue that needs immediate attention. This can be done through advocating for vulnerable groups, connecting with leadership initiatives and educating people on sensitive issues like these. The more women’s rights are discussed and prioritized, the more likely they are to be protected during crises. Beyond providing immediate relief, nonprofit organizations play a vital role in advocating for vulnerable communities by raising awareness, supporting survivors, and encouraging policies that strengthen humanitarian preparedness.

Pressure from the public can also encourage the government to introduce policies and laws protecting these rights. The general public can play their part by donating to institutions and programs that lead the struggle for survivors. But in order for people to understand what’s at stake, it’s crucial that survivors are given a platform to tell their stories. Hearing directly from survivors can help the public better understand the lasting impact of humanitarian crises and why continued support for these initiatives is so important. 

A humanitarian crisis affects far more than people’s immediate access to water, food, and shelter. It affects their mental, physical, and reproductive health, sometimes causing long-term consequences if not addressed in time. Initiatives such as the Minimum Initial Service Package demonstrate that these challenges can be addressed through coordinated planning and timely intervention. This is where nonprofit organisations play a vital role. Alongside humanitarian agencies and governments, organisations such as the Nasreen Dad Foundation have supported communities affected by disasters by providing immediate relief and assisting long-term recovery efforts. The organization has distributed thousands of dry ration kits, meals, and essential supplies to families across flood-affected villages in Punjab. Similarly, Digital Rights Foundation (DRF) contributed by advocating for vulnerable communities, raising awareness, and ensuring that issues affecting women and marginalized groups remain part of the humanitarian response. Pakistan Solar Association (PSA) signed a landmark MOU with the DRF to bring clean, renewable energy to flood-affected communities in Jhang and Chiniot. Months after devastating floods left thousands without power or connectivity, this collaboration helped set up water filtration plants. With PSA’s industry leadership and DRF’s commitment to digital inclusion, the initiative marked a bold step toward climate resilience and technological empowerment.

It is essential that for such initiatives to last, collaborations between governments, non-profit organisations and humanitarian agencies should be united and strong. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and prioritising preparedness, stakeholders can help ensure that the health, safety, and dignity of women and girls remain protected even in the most difficult circumstances.