Dr. Natalie Irving-Mattocks embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day’s ‘Give to Gain’ theme through her transformative journey from personal adversity to becoming a beacon of hope for Caribbean women. As executive director of the Caribbean Technical Assistance and Education Centre for Health (C-TECH), she has pioneered disaster response efforts that address the unique vulnerabilities women face during humanitarian crises.
Her profound understanding of crisis situations stems from personal experience. Growing up in Jamaica’s inner cities, Irving-Mattocks relocated twenty times before turning eighteen, navigated complex family relationships, survived sexual assault, and became a mother at fifteen. These challenges forged her resilience and empathy, driving her commitment to support women facing similar circumstances.
The catastrophic Hurricane Melissa of 2025 became a defining moment for Irving-Mattocks and her organization. Returning from abroad to witness the devastation, she encountered overcrowded shelters where women and girls faced unprecedented risks—from inadequate sanitation to exploitation. One particularly distressing account involved a shelter official demanding sexual favors in exchange for food, highlighting the gendered dimensions of disaster vulnerability.
Mobilizing immediately, C-TECH emerged as one of the first response organizations on the ground, earning recognition from Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness. Their comprehensive intervention included:
– Distributing tarpaulins and emergency supplies
– Installing Starlink systems for critical facilities
– Providing food assistance and vouchers to over 10,000 women and families
– Ensuring continuity of reproductive healthcare with 703 antenatal visits and 249 safe deliveries
– Distributing dignity kits to 600 women and mental health support to 1,500 individuals
Through strategic partnerships with UNFPA, I-TECH, and US Health Resources, C-TECH implemented a gender-responsive approach that recognized how disasters exacerbate existing inequalities. Irving-Mattocks emphasizes that supporting women creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.
Her philosophy centers on transformative sisterhood: ‘Create a step for another woman. If the playing field is not equal, create some form of equity so that women can grow and continue to thrive. We have to get rid of that crab-in-a-barrel mentality and embrace sisterhood.’
Now holding a doctorate in public health alongside degrees in international relations and business administration, Irving-Mattocks has transformed personal trauma into professional purpose. Her work demonstrates how targeted support for women during crises not only addresses immediate needs but builds foundational resilience for long-term recovery.