Humanitarian Insights, Development & Aid Analysis

  Tahir Ali Shah In the field of humanitarian work, where emergencies develop rapidly and no single organization can address all needs independently, consortia have become a popular method for delivering aid. A consortium involves multiple humanitarian or development organizations, often NGOs or UN agencies, coming together to work on a common project, typically funded by a major donor. These agencies formally agree to collaborate, usually with one organization taking the lead to coordinate efforts and serve as the primary contact with the donor. This approach is commonly employed in conflict zones, refugee settings, and areas facing prolonged crises, such as Syria, Yemen, Somalia, or Bangladesh. The central idea is straightforward: by working together, organizations can combine their strengths and resources to reach more people and create a greater impact. There are several compelling reasons to work in a consortium. The most obvious advantage is that it allows agencies to bro...

Tahir Ali Shah - To my incredible mother-in-law, who at just 26, showed unimaginable strength and love as a young widow raising six little miracles on her own – your courage continues to inspire us. Today, every June 23rd, people around the world observe International Widows Day. This day is meant to shine a light on the challenges faced by widows, who often find themselves not only dealing with the loss of their partner but also struggling for basic rights, dignity, and survival. Widows often face discrimination, economic hardships, and lack of support, making their grief even harder to bear. International Widows Day works to raise awareness about these issues and encourages people to take action. It calls on humanitarians, activists, and everyday citizens to advocate for widows’ rights so they are not forgotten. This day is not just about recognizing their suffering; it’s about inspiring real action to help them improve their lives. The idea for International Widows Day came fr...