Gender is defined by societal norms which determine relations between men and women and the differences in their roles and responsibilities, behaviours and attitudes, access to resources and services, and opportunities and entitlements. These differences define social attitudes, economic inequalities, and the division of labour within the family – all of which affect people’s response to emergency situations. Therefore, for humanitarian assistance to effectively respond to the needs of all community members, it must be guided by an understanding of the impact of gender on the vulnerabilities and capacities of men and women, boys and girls.