International (Page 7)

Volunteers and staff from the Bahamas Red Cross have been supporting affected communities since Hurricane Dorian made landfall on September 1 - three months later the work continues. 

From November 25 to December 16, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign is taking place around the world. The Canadian Red Cross works to address sexual and gender-based violence both in Canada and internationally, read how. 

Gender-based violence can happen to anyone, but some people are more vulnerable - especially those living in war and conflict-affected areas. International Humanitarian Law protects women in times of conflict, read how. 

About an hour’s drive south along the coast from Beirut lies the five-story 75-bed Hamshary hospital. Run by the Palestine Red Crescent Society, it was initially set up to provide health services to the surrounding Palestinian refugee camps, but the hospital is open to anyone in need.

Over the past six month, the Red Cross has been working to improve healthcare in Cyclone Idai impacted Mozambique. Canadian Red Crosser Jenn Houtby recently returned from Mozambique, where she was able to take stock of just how much work has been accomplished over the last months. 

Colourful mats line the floor, dolls sit in anticipation of being played with, building blocks stand at the ready, and puzzles lay piled waiting to be put together. These are rooms any child would want to play in – brightly painted Child Friendly Spaces, created by the Nepal Red Cross Society following the 2015 earthquake, with funding support from the Canadian Red Cross.

Even before Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas, the Red Cross has been on the ground. Now a response is underway to provide much needed aid. 

The Canadian Red Cross is committed to making sure that gender equality and social inclusion are an active part of our programs. Sometimes this means having to challenge assumptions about who can do what - such as heavy labour. Recently in Mozambique, the Red Cross purposefully sought out women labourers, read about their experiences.