Indonesians fighting against exploitation of their land for palm oil must confront both powerful corporate interests and an extraordinary level of state control over land that can be traced back to the colonial era. Here, we share observations from those who took part in a recent panel discussion about palm oil and land rights*, inspired by a hard-hitting new documentary, Colonial Debris.
Know your boat: why and how some businesses are publishing which fishing vessels they buy from
The global seafood industry is one of the riskiest when it comes to human rights. That’s why it so welcome that a few firms are leading the way in being much more transparent about who caught the fish they sell, says Ashley Aarons.
‘Artivism’, flash mobs and cake: the creative climate action of Mothers Rise Up
Maya Mailer unpacks the theory of change of an innovative climate change group, which uses artistic, eye-catching stunts outside corporate HQs, narratives of hope and the social status of mothers to talk to parts of the private sector that other climate activists often struggle to reach.
Who should pay for climate damage? We think it should be the firms that profit from it
Oxfam and ally organisations are calling for a permanent tax on the profits of fossil fuel firms. Such a tax, says Ashfaq Khalfan, could raise $400bn in its first year, vital funds that could not only support those suffering climate loss and damage but also accelerate the switch to a green global economy.
Five ways to back enterprises that drive climate and gender justice
Women are already leading innovations in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation. Here’s how to support their enterprises and ensure that climate-friendly businesses also boost gender justice. By Keisha Gani, Anais Mangin, Windy Massabni, San Sar and Diana Tjoeng.
Want an economy that works for women? Keep care services public – and fund them properly
Deep cuts to public spending or abandoning provision to profit-making providers will not deliver the decent services millions of women so urgently need, say Myrah Nerine and Rachel Noble.
Meet the ‘Circularity Queens’
In Lagos, furniture maker Joy and fashion entrepreneur Yetunde have forged a partnership to take offcuts from Yetunde’s dresses and turn them into upholstery for sustainable furniture. Rita Abiodun on an inspiring collaboration that grew out of an Oxfam Novib programme to support small businesses in Nigeria.
Is your business reinforcing gender injustice? Here are four ways to spot the risks and challenge discrimination
Firms are under growing pressure to identify and respond to adverse impacts and show how they apply a “gender lens” to the way they do business. Jiselle Steele of the Oxfam Business Advisory Service explores what that means — and how to reduce negative impacts in supply chains on women and marginalised groups. And you can get expert guidance live at our webinar on 17 September.
People before profits: why we need responsible businesses
The future of business lies in being “regenerative by design” and looking for alternatives to the shareholder-first model. Fiona Jarden and Winne van Woerden share insights from last year’s Oxfam Novib forum about responsible business.
How can we make responsible business the new normal?
Jan Joost Kessler on four ways to scale up responsible business models that are better for people and planet.