Livelihood interventions are a double-edged sword; assets can help people overcome crises and build resilience and self-sufficiency, but can also quickly turn into liabilities, increasing vulnerability to risks, including gender-based violence (GBV). Humanitarian practitioners can unintentionally contribute to risks associated with livelihoods, including increased GBV, with insufficient planning. When gender and gender risk analysis inform program design, livelihood initiatives can safely contribute to longer-term recovery while saving lives.
In April 2015, the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC) partnered with Oxfam in Iraq/Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) to pilot the Cohort Livelihoods and Risk Analysis (CLARA) guidance and tool. Developed by the Women’s Refugee Commission, CLARA assesses needs, risks and opportunities, and highlights mitigation strategies for safer, more responsive humanitarian assistance.