As decision makers meet in Brussels to discuss the situation of Syrian refugees, Aisha Shtiwi shares the story of Ghozlan, one of millions of women refugees who can’t access work. “Our suffering started when we arrived. I went to every single place to find work in the camp, but no one hired me”, said Ghozlan, a young Syrian woman we …
Findings from a meta-review of influencing initiatives
Ruth Mayne shares learning from a recent meta-review of Oxfam and partners’ policy influencing, citizen’s voice and governance initiatives around the world. NB. This blog post deals with the findings of the influencing meta-review. In the next couple of weeks we will publish a separate post from the authors of the review explaining their methodology. Sign up for our Real …
How can overcoming educational barriers improve the sustainability of smallholder supply chains?
[buzzsprout episode=’2559220′ player=’true’] In this podcast we speak to Amanda Klarer, the Responsible Farming Program Manager at Marcatus QED, who works with some of the world’s leading and niche consumer brands to develop customised sourcing programmes, innovative products and sustainable supply chains. Marcatus QED is one of Unilever’s supply partners for their gherkin supply chain, and is part of the …
Book banter – Weapons of Math Destruction
[buzzsprout episode=’2559223′ player=’true’] In this podcast Oxfam researchersFranziska Mager and Deborah Hardoon review Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil, a book which describes the way that big data is being used to affect every aspect of our lives, leading to bias which increases inequality and threatens democracy.
Joining forces for better water services in Jordan
Alixandra Buck reports on an Oxfam project in Jordan where the local community is working with local authorities to improve water supplies. In Jordan, it is not common for government and citizens to talk face to face on issues of common concern. There is also scepticism on the role of civil society. We’re working to change that dynamic. Oxfam and …
Can Commonwealth countries agree on climate change, refugees and inequality?
In the run up to the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting Claire Spoors dares to hope that common ground can be found on the issues that matter for people living in poverty. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) takes place next week in London and Windsor, bringing together the leaders of the Commonwealth member states, a seemingly disparate group …
Deconstructing gender identities and power structures
Can working within existing structures lead to breakthroughs in gender equality? Daniel Morchain reflects on the contrast between points of view at the UN Commission on the Status of Women meetings last month. The 62nd session of the Commission on the Status of Women, organised by UN Women, was just getting underway. ‘Colonisation is a huge problem in Canada and we …
Raising the voices of indigenous youth at the UN
Soledad Carrasco reflects on her experience of attending the UN youth forum as a representative of the indigenous peoples of Peru. Youth are often accused of being indifferent to the political events unfolding in our society. But I saw no evidence of that at the Youth Forum of the United Nations which I attended recently in New York. The forum, organized …
What are the best desalination solutions?
[buzzsprout episode=’2559226′ player=’true’] As levels of salt in the world’s water systems rise, access to drinking water is a major concern. What desalination solutions are available? And how should NGOs be using these technologies? Our new briefing provides an overview of existing and emerging technology for cost-efficient and low-energy desalination in Asia. In this podcast Oxfam’s Tom Wildman, and Chinmayee Subban and Kate Boden …