1. Protection mainstreaming – distributions
Gender/Protection Cluster
14 April 2015

2. Vulnerability
We all have a responsibility to ensure that all groups can access humanitarian assistance equitably.
Distributions often go through existing community power structures, and fail to reach the most vulnerable groups.
These groups include:
Women
Children
People with disabilities
Female headed households
This can be because they are conducted at times or locations that are inaccessible for these groups, or because distributions are diverted away from these groups

3. TC Pam - assessment findings
The most vulnerable groups are consistently reported to be female heads of household, followed by people with disabilities and elderly people.
Communities report that they are assisting vulnerable groups (people with disabilities, elderly, female heads of household).
However, these groups report that this is not always true, and that they are NOT able to access distributions.

4. What does this mean for you?
When conducting distributions:
OBSERVE who is accessing the distribution – are there any groups you would normally expect to be represented, but which are absent from the distribution? E.g. elderly people, people with disabilities.
ASK the local authorities how they plan to ensure these groups are reached – will they involve church groups, extended family members, and will they follow up to ensure that vulnerable groups have the materials they are entitled to?
ASK how information about distributions was circulated? Does everyone know about timings and eligibility criteria?
RECORD problems for feedback!