AI4PEP Celebrates International Women’s Day with a Powerful Discussion on Gender Equity and Crisis Response
In recognition of International Women’s Day 2025, on March 7, 2025, AI4PEP hosted a groundbreaking discussion on Women’s Health & Gender Equity in Crisis Situations. The event brought together renowned experts, researchers, and advocates to shed light on the disproportionate challenges women face in times of war, disasters, and epidemics, while also emphasizing their crucial role in crisis response and recovery.
An Urgent Conversation in a Time of Crisis
As conflicts, natural disasters, and global health emergencies continue to impact vulnerable populations, women and girls are often the most affected yet the least prioritized in crisis management policies. From healthcare access and economic setbacks to displacement and gender-based violence, crises amplify systemic gender inequalities, making the call for inclusive crisis response more urgent than ever.
A Panel of Distinguished Experts
AI4PEP’s event featured a panel of highly esteemed experts who shared their invaluable perspectives and research on gender equity in crisis response:
- Dr. Nuha El-Sharif (Al-Quds University, Palestine) – A leading expert in public and medical health, examined the pressing challenges impacting women’s health with the ongoing war in Gaza and explored how AI-driven solutions can help develop a resilient healthcare infrastructure tailored to address the specific needs of women in war zones.
- Dr. Roselle Rivera (University of the Philippines Diliman) – A champion for gender equity and community resilience, discussed the socio-economic impacts of crises on women and the necessity of inclusive recovery strategies.
- Dr. Angela Lee – A distinguished specialist in public health and policy who emphasized the importance of gender-inclusive frameworks in humanitarian and crisis response efforts.
Each speaker shed light on the intersection of gender, health, and crisis management, stressing the need for inclusive, data-driven policies that protect and empower women, especially in high-risk environments, to ensure that crisis response strategies do not overlook gender-specific needs.
Key Takeaways from the Event
- Women in Crisis Situations: Women and girls bear the brunt of conflicts, natural disasters, and health emergencies, yet policies often fail to address their unique vulnerabilities. Ensuring gender-sensitive crisis response is essential to protect their rights and well-being.
- The Role of Women in Resilience & Recovery: Women are not just victims but frontline responders, caregivers, community leaders, and decision-makers. Their perspectives and leadership must be recognized, integrated, and supported in crisis response frameworks.
- AI & Technology for Crisis Management: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics can significantly enhance crisis response strategies by identifying vulnerabilities, predicting risk factors, and ensuring gender-inclusive interventions. AI4PEP is dedicated to explore how AI-powered solutions can bridge gender gaps in humanitarian efforts.
- Collaboration is Key: Meaningful progress requires cross-sector collaboration between governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and technology leaders to implement holistic and sustainable gender-equity solutions in crisis response.
Driving Action Beyond the Discussion
The insights from AI4PEP’s International Women’s Day event make it clear that gender equity in crisis response is a necessity, not an afterthought. AI4PEP urges global leaders, policymakers, and organizations to: Prioritize gender-responsive crisis policies at the national and international levels, Invest in AI-driven solutions that enhance crisis prediction and management with a gender-inclusive lens and Support women-led initiatives in humanitarian response and recovery planning.
While the AI4PEP International Women’s Day event provided a powerful platform for dialogue, the work to ensure gender equity in crisis response is ongoing. AI4PEP remains committed to bridging gaps in AI, policy, and public engagement, ensuring that women’s voices and experiences shape global solutions.
