Canadian NGOs have pivoted to respond to this pandemic. Thanks to flexibility from Global Affairs Canada and other donors, we are adapting our existing programs to respond. We have replaced cash-for-work programs with unconditional cash transfers through cellphones. We're providing soap vouchers and more handwashing stations, and we're changing how we distribute supplies to ensure safe physical distancing.
Most importantly, we're asking women what they want. The South Sudanese refugees we are working with in Uganda are now making new income by selling us masks. We give these masks to survivors of gender-based violence and to women with high-risk pregnancies, so they can safely access the support they need.
The world needs Canada to show leadership, and Canada's feminist humanitarian action policy provides the framework for action.
We'd like to offer three recommendations today.
The first is to focus on underserved needs. We need to fill gaps in essential, underfunded and diverted services, including gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health.
The second is to reach the hardest to reach without delay. So far, international donors have directed just 1.5% of their funding to local and national NGOs. Donors have committed to the grand bargain, channelling at least 25% of humanitarian funding to local organizations, and now particularly to women and girls' organizations. This needs to happen quickly, before the crisis gets worse and before these local organizations capable of doing this work disappear.
The third is to help humanitarian organizations do what we do best. This entails adapting funding mechanisms and direction and control provisions to allow for more predictable, transparent and flexible funding through NGOs and local actors. A bill to be tabled soon in the other place by Senator Omidvar would enable more impactful, timely and local-level responses, and free up millions of dollars that are currently tied up in program administration.
Thank you for inviting us today.
We would be pleased to answer your questions.