This helpdesk report identifies some of the key resources on gender and humanitarian action. The most widely relevant, rigorous and accessible resources have been selected. This selection is based on the author’s own review of the available literature and on recommendations from a number of gender experts and practitioners. Within their sections, the resources have been presented roughly in order of usefulness, with the most authoritative and widely-used resources presented first.
The most authoritative and widely used guides are the IASC ‘Equal Opportunities’ handbook and associated resources. These include the ‘Equal Opportunities’ online course and the Guidance note for implementing the Gender Marker. All experts consulted recommended the ‘Equal Opportunities’ handbook and most recommended at least one of the others. Shorter handbooks by OCHA (2005) and Oxfam (2004) are recommended by some experts.