For World Humanitarian Day Tess Dico-Young reflects on the process of producing the new, improved, IASC Gender Handbook for Humanitarian Action. Huge shifts have occurred in the humanitarian sector and humanitarian programme cycles over the past twelve years, including in standards and expectations for the integration of gender equality. Which is why, under the leadership of UN Women, and with …
If we don’t make sacrifices, who will?
Oxfam emergency team leader Cecilia shares her experiences on the front line in South Sudan. I’ve seen a lot in my job. As an emergency responder, I am usually close to the front line and the people who have fled from it. I have seen people shot as they collect drinking water from a river and people giving every last …
Communicating the vision of a good life for all within planetary limits
Is it possible to achieve a sustainable future where the social needs of all are met without exhausting the planet’s resources? Dr Julia Steinberger shares lessons learnt from communicating her research findings. Earlier this year, my colleagues and I published an article entitled “A Good Life For All Within Planetary Boundaries” in Nature Sustainability. In this article, we aimed to …
Pushing for peace in Gaza
Life-saving aid destined for water, sanitation and health care is being blocked from reaching Gaza. Alison Martin reflects on the impact of new restrictions as explained in our joint agency briefing. Last time I was in Gaza I was seven months pregnant and I left hoping that by the time my son was born, things might be better for babies …
Diverse ability, not disability: our new commitments
‘The issue of disability has too often been side lined’, following the Global Disability Summit Claire Spoors outlines Oxfam’s new commitments to recognising and supporting people with disabilities. Last Tuesday the UK Government, along with the Government of Kenya and the International Disability Alliance, played host to the first ever Global Disability Summit to tackle the barriers facing people living …
Working together to protect, expand and reshape civic space
Civic space is vital to defeating poverty. Inga Ferber introduces a new briefing on the importance of protecting and expanding spaces where people can raise their voices and be heard without fear. Poverty reduction – an increasingly dangerous endeavour Defeating poverty has never been easy. Nobody knows that better than our local partners and allies around the world who dedicate their …
Improving data quality with digital data collection
Emily Tomkys Valteri, Alexia Pretari and Simone Lombardini share practical tips to help improve quality in survey data collection, and introduce the latest case study in the ‘Going Digital’ series. Sometimes survey data doesn’t add up: two household members are married to each other and yet have different marital statuses, consent statements have not been fully read, percentages of income …
From climate science to climate action
Jesse DeMaria Kinney reflects back on the Adaptation Futures Conference and calls for more adaptation action building on the rich pool of global research and knowledge now available. Here and now. Here I am now, having returned from nearly three weeks of climate change adaptation packed reflection and learning in Cape Town, South Africa. It’s been exhausting but rewarding as …
How loans from philanthropists to NGOs could work
[buzzsprout episode=’2559208′ player=’true’] This podcast focuses on the role of philanthropy in development, and shares the learning from a recent loan agreement made to Oxfam, which is considered ground-breaking for the sector. We speak to Talal Shakerchi, the head of Meditor Trust who gave the loan, and Bridie Layden from Oxfam GB’s Philanthropy & Partnerships team, who coordinated the process. …
Why are we marching? Challenging the ‘new normal’
‘Truth will prevail over fake news, solidarity over autocracy, love over hatred.’ Nikki van der Gaag, explains why Oxfam is supporting the Women’s March in London tomorrow as President Trump visits the UK. In January 2017, the estimated three million women (and many thousands of men) from all over the world who marched against the policies enacted by the newly …