This dialogue has started and will continue. The strategy and working methods must be developed in this respect. Further tasks during the next few years will be to ensure that the gender equality goal, one of six goals for Swedish development aid and adopted by the Parliament in 1996, is also given optimal consideration in Swedish humanitarian assistance. Humanitarian assistance can be divided into support for the basic needs of people for their physical survival and support for other important needs. The basic needs include having access to food, water, health, housing as well as protection and security.
Food aid is one of the most acute forms of humanitarian assistance.
It varies considerably from year to year depending on needs. The traditional role of women in all societies is often related to the responsibility for providing daily food for the family. The food issue is therefore closely associated with a traditional women's perspective on life, in particular women in rural areas. Focusing on the needs defined by women means therefore that needs in respect of food are given emphasis. The organisation has a gender policy.