Reiza Dejito: mother and humanitarian worker

Why did you decide to join Humanity & Inclusion (HI)?

Initially, I studied a lot. I graduated in science and physiotherapy, and earned diplomas in teaching and then management. I also completed several volunteer missions in the Philippines (my home country) and Ethiopia. And then, three months after leaving Ethiopia, I joined HI as a victim assistance project manager in Bor, South Sudan. Since then, I have worked in Kenya, Bangladesh, the Philippines and now Nepal. 

Is there one experience that really stands out?

Working with Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The people that I met have suffered so much. One woman told me how she watched, helpless, as her husband was murdered and her house was burned down. A nine-year-old child, who was injured in the arm by a bullet after being caught in the crossfire told me he’d forgiven the attacker for hitting the wrong target. Men, women and children walked for days and days to cross the border with little food and water... Awful. 

As a director in the Philippines, I joined the emergency team to help the victims of super typhoon Goni. I was extremely impressed by the resilience and generosity of Filipinos. And the commitment of my team and partner organisations to provide assistance to those who needed it most.

What’s the hardest part of your job?

As Programme Director, I’m responsible for the security and protection of my teams, and ensuring they’re safe and sound and in good health, especially during emergencies, crises and conflicts. In 2016, I had to manage the evacuation of HI’s teams in South Sudan following a series of deadly clashes between armed groups. It was the most trying experience of my career.

What's really important when it comes to working with your team?

Trust. Transparency. Empathy. And being able to laugh together.

Humanitarian and full-time mother: how do you strike the right balance?

For many women, achieving this balance is a huge challenge and often prevents them from taking on more responsible positions. I’m extremely fortunate to have a supportive family and a husband who takes care of our child when I’m working. Thanks to their support, I can do the job I do. My family is my biggest incentive. They really inspire me to do better every day. 

Is gender equity a challenge in the humanitarian sector?

Personally, I’ve been really fortunate to work with male colleagues and team leaders who are advocates for women's leadership. But while many women work in the humanitarian sector, there are still too few in senior positions. Many organisations have made a lot of progress, but not enough. There is a great deal of work to do before we achieve greater equity. It’s not an easy task, because these inequalities run deep. They’ve been entrenched in cultural, social, financial and political life for generations. It’s not simply a question of empowering women and advancing their rights, but of changing corporate cultures. Men also have a role to play here. I want to see women access positions of responsibility just like men. I think we'll get there... slowly but surely.