World: Resourcing displaced women’s resilience : Faith financing for humanitarian innovation in East Africa

Country: World Sources: International Committee of the Red Cross, University of Birmingham Please refer to the attached files. This outcome note synthesises discussions from a multi‐stakeholder consultation in Nairobi on how Islamic philanthropy (IsP) can be more intentionally mobilised to improve protection, inclusion, and sustainable outcomes for displaced women in East Africa. Why it matters: IsP is a long‐standing, values‐driven and community‐embedded source of humanitarian support. Despite its scale and reach, its potential to improve outcomes for displaced women remains under‐realised due to fragmented systems, gender‐blind design, policy gaps, and persistent misconceptions. Key messages: IsP functions as a moral entitlement and lifeline, reaching both Muslim and non‐Muslim communities through trusted local systems. Women and children are core intended recipients of assistance, yet women rarely shape decisions in governance, allocation or programme design. Misconceptions about IsP (such as concerning its exclusivity and potential proselytisation), securitisation and lack of guidance constrain collaboration with humanitarian actors. IsP offers predictable, rapid and sustainable financing, particularly when instruments such as zakat and waqf are institutionalised beyond emergency‐only modes of aid operations. Women‐led and protection‐centred frameworks can unlock impact for women. Priority actions: 1. Develop practical SOPs and social performance indicators aligning Islamic philanthropy with humanitarian and safeguarding standards. 2. Promote and support women’s leadership in zakat committees, waqf governance, and funding decisions. 3. Pilot innovative women‐centred and technology‐enabled IsP instruments, including support for self‐help groups and cooperatives. 4. Establish inter‐faith and multi‐stakeholder working groups to build trust, counter myths, and inform policy development, including key donor countries. 5. Recognise faith financing, including Islamic philanthropy, as a core component of humanitarian financing.

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