16 March 2026
Calling for key-informants for research interviews on displaced women, humanitarian financing and philanthropy in Muslim-majority contexts
Across the world, millions of displaced women face intersecting challenges, including violence, exclusion, limited access to services, and restricted livelihood opportunities. While humanitarian sector faces fiscal constraints, many resort to Islamic social finance instruments (e.g., zakat, sadaqah, and waqf) to meet urgent needs of displaced populations.
Making Aid Work for Displaced Women is a research project based at the University of Birmingham, that brings together humanitarian practitioners, scholars, policymakers, Islamic philanthropy actors, and community organisations to inform pathways for strengthening women’s protection and inclusion and building more effective humanitarian systems.
Who We Are Looking For
We invite diverse humanitarian actors to participate in one‑on‑one key informant interviews (KIIs) and collaborative research activities, including humanitarian practitioners, policymakers, women’s rights advocates, community leaders, faith‑based organisations, scholars, and philanthropic experts.
The purpose of the interviews is to:
- map organisations and actors involved in Muslim philanthropy
- identify gaps, opportunities and innovations for humanitarian, refugee financing
- understand ethical, cultural and gendered considerations in humanitarian practice
- explore how systems of Muslim giving can better support women in crisis contexts
Why Participate
By joining the Making Aid Work research, you will contribute to informing humanitarian policy development, influence how Islamic philanthropy is mobilised globally, and help design approaches that centre dignity and protection for displaced women.
Why This Research Matters
Displacement crises are on the rise globally due to conflict and climate emergencies. More than half of the world’s forcibly displaced people are estimated to be hosted in Muslim‑majority countries, yet Islamic philanthropy remains insufficiently integrated within international humanitarian policy and practice.
Making Aid Work research explores how Islamic philanthropy can drive innovative, ethical and sustainable humanitarian solutions; how to bridge mainstream and faith‑inspired aid paradigms to improve support to women in crisis; and how to build inclusive humanitarian finance models grounded in cultural proximity and community trust.
Get Involved: Interviews may be conducted online or in-person, depending on your location or preference.
To participate or express interest please complete this form.
Contact the team: [email protected],
