Governance

How We Are Organised

​The Call to Action is composed of three Working Groups (states and donors, IOs, and NGOs), a Steering Committee (co-chairs of each Working Group) and a Lead (overseeing the whole process). The initiative is supported by an ad-hoc Secretariat hosted by NORCAP.

Structure

The Lead

The global Lead of the Call to Action is a State actor. The Lead should play a prominent role in humanitarian policy and funding, be a recognized champion of GBV and gender equality issues, and fully engaged in the Call to Action. The Lead is expected to serve two to three calendar years, and to have the financial and human resources to meet its responsibilities including: facilitating the work of the Call to Action, overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the Road Map, and leading the initiative’s advocacy work.

Learn more about the current Lead's priorities and the contributions of former Leads →

Stakeholder Working Groups

The Working Groups help sustain the engagement of partners and secure their input on collective Call to Action activities. They are a forum for partners to share their successes and challenges with fellow stakeholders. The Working Groups identify activities to undertake within the group and/or in collaboration with other Working Groups. They can also help identify new partners and support them to contribute to and benefit from the Call to Action. Every partner is expected to participate actively in their respective Working Group.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee comprises the Lead and six committee members (two co-chairs selected from each Stakeholder Working Group). Steering Committee members are selected by their Working Groups to serve two to three years. Steering Committee members ensure that the views of their respective Working Groups are brought to leadership discussions on the work of the Call to Action. The Steering Committee meets monthly or as needed to identify opportunities for cross-stakeholder collaboration on advocacy, funding and program issues.

Governance Approach​

The Call to Action’s governance structure is designed to:

  • Leverage the collective expertise and diversity of the partnership

  • Enable coordinated and accountable action across stakeholders

  • Foster mutual respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility

Transparency and accountability are core principles of the Call to Action. Partners report annually on progress against their commitments, and collective learning is supported through regular meetings, documentation, and shared review processes.

Large conference room with all attendees seated around a U-shaped table. The room has wooden walls, a high ceiling with large chandeliers, and two screens on either side of a stage. The stage features a large backdrop with a world map and the text 'Annual Partners Meeting 2024' and 'Call to Action on Protection from Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies.' Attendees are engaged, some taking notes or photographs.

Partner Commitments​

All Call to Action partners formally affirm the initiative’s goal, core principles and outcomes.

Partners are expected to:

  • Make and deliver on commitments under the Roadmap

  • Report annually on progress

  • Actively participate in the relevant Working Groups

Our Partners