Paper short abstract:

I seek to provide a different avenue for discussion, in terms of how patriarchal backlash hinder the possibilities of structural transformation within the humanitarian system. Here, the voices of feminist and non-feminist Colombian humanitarian workers are centred.

Paper long abstract:

Concerned by a reductionist approach to gender, a reluctance to address power imbalances and hierarchies, a perpetuation of gender norms, and essentialist roles of women in humanitarian crises, feminisms hold their space in the theory and practice of humanitarian action. Doubts around the “too political” aspect of feminisms deter some humanitarian actors to openly adhere to feminist principles. Conversely, lack of accountability and risk of co-optation of the feminist struggles by non-governmental organisations are increasingly problematised by feminist activists and scholars. The unlikely relationship between humanitarianisms and feminisms is discussed in this paper by bringing the voices of humanitarian workers in Colombia, a country that witnesses the convergence of different and prolonged humanitarian crises alongside strong feminist mobilisation. While feminisms still face prejudice and patriarchal backlash in Colombia and other parts of the world, there are also political commitments that seem to bring feminist principles to the front. By means of a feminist epistemological approach and situated multimethod research design, I delve into the notions and perceptions shaping the everyday practices of humanitarian workers from three international humanitarian organisations that openly adopted feminist principles in Colombia.