Why we need to know Who is doing What, Where, When and for Whom — GO 3w for emergencies
In emergency response, the first question we need to ask is who are the most affected or vulnerable, where are they and what are their biggest needs?
Part of the answer lies in knowing what we and others are doing to meet existing needs. This way we can identify gaps, understand our added value and target assistance more effectively.
The concept of the 3w map, or Who is doing What Where, is well established alongside recent improvements in information management across the humanitarian sector. Some humanitarian agencies refer to their tool has having 4, 5 or even 6 w’s. Despite this, the basic concept, often based on excel, remains the same, while simultaneously being effectively reinvented every emergency.
The Ukraine crisis has created a situation for people caught up in the conflict, stranded or on the move that is complex and troubling, and has required a response by Red Cross Red Crescent societies across the globe. In order to capture these activities a 3w for emergencies was created on the GO platform.
This blog describes why and how the Red Cross Red Crescent have adapted and use the 3w. We briefly describe the specific requirements of a 3w for the RCRC movement, the development process and how the implementation on GO has moved the 3w concept forward. Finally, we reflect on how the system is being used in response to the Ukraine crisis and invite your ideas on how it could be further developed.
Why did we build a 3w for the Red Cross Red Crescent (RCRC) Movement?
Who — It is not always clear to those outside the RCRC that there can be multiple forms of ‘Red Cross’ action in a crisis. While there are IFRC principles and rules for international assistance which we use to guide our actions, for those looking in from outside, this number and diversity of RCRC actors can be confusing. The GO 3w can be used to paint a federation-wide picture of the response to any crisis, particularly those linked to an IFRC-supported emergency operation
What — In order to allow for RCRC actors to report according to their willingness and capacity, the 3w needs to encourage, but not require, fine-grain details, and it must also allow for varying frequency of reporting. The 3w provides a picture of NS activities, encouraging the move from reporting of stocks distributed to people reached by services provided.
Where — In addition to identifying potential gaps in humanitarian assistance, the 3w helps to explain to our partners who and what each RCRC actor is doing in a particular location, for whom, how and with what resources.
When — Data can be reported by HQ or branch, allowing for those closest to the data to report the details. However, the system also needs to enable data quality checks and a comprehensive overview. Further, where agreement is reached with ICRC, the 3w can form the basis of a Movement Picture, a critical statement of the RCRC’s unique role in a crisis response.
Development process
Consultation and wireframes for the 3w for emergencies had been created by IFRC Americas Regional Office, American Red Cross and Netherlands Red Cross colleagues, providing the structure for the data collection and visualisation process.
Development of the system was fast-tracked due to the unfolding crisis in Ukraine, in close collaboration with Planning & Monitoring colleagues, as well as sectoral focal points and operational leadership. The module was tested with Red Cross societies directly affected by the crisis, building from their existing reporting workflows, including those using the IFRC Kobo data collection system.
The system took 3 weeks to take from concept to production — an unusually quick sprint cycle. This was achieved through long hours put in by the IFRC GO team, as well as development and design partners Data Friendly Space and Yellow Umbrella. While the system functions well, see video below, we continue to make adjustments and improvements.
Final reflections
The situation in Ukraine created a sudden rise in humanitarian needs in a region that had not seen such a crisis for decades. Resources were stretched by the complex and rapidly evolving challenges. However the IFRC network mobilised to respond with incredible speed and generosity of spirit.
Nevertheless, existing systems of needs monitoring and activity tracking have needed rapid enhancement across the region. The GO 3w provides a fundamental building block and data model for such systems, and was used to inform advice and technical support for Red Cross Societies provided by surge IFRC IM Officers who were mobilised to respond to the emergency.
Please let us know if your National Society has any support needs to use the GO 3w, or ideas to improve the system, by emailing im@ifrc.org
