Nicole Hahn and Josh Hallwright from Oxfam Australia explain why they are excited about the possibilities which blockchain systems offer to improve the effectiveness of aid to the poorest people. It seems as though everyone is talking about cryptocurrencies and blockchain these days and the humanitarian sector is no different. Plenty of people say the whole thing is over-hyped, only …
The human price of stocking supermarket shelves
The supermarket sector is ripe for change. Tim Gore, Head of Policy, Advocacy and Research for Food Justice at Oxfam International, describes key findings from Oxfam’s research into the human suffering in supermarket supply chains. Imagine a workplace where 90% of your colleagues can’t afford enough food for their families each month. Where you work so hard you can’t take a toilet …
Dear supermarkets, can we have food without human suffering please?
Too often the people who produce our food are living in poverty and going hungry themselves. Rachel Wilshaw shares the findings of our new report and explains why we are calling on consumers and UK supermarkets to act. The people producing our food are often going hungry themselves. This is the standout finding of an Oxfam report published today, Ripe …
The number to focus on this World Refugee Day
This World Refugee Day, Head of Humanitarian Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns, Fionna Smyth, reflects on the recent UNHCR refugee figures and reminds us of those who are seeking safety in poorer countries. We’ve learned that more than 68 million people have been forced from their homes worldwide. It is the fifth year in a row that this number has hit …
Technology in humanitarian programming: agility vs standardisation
Laura Eldon and Anna Kondakhchyan reflect on how new technologies are used in humanitarian work, and share learning from Oxfam’s experiences. Here at Oxfam, we are passionate about the potential for new technologies to support the delivery of high quality field activities. Crucially, we believe in taking a ‘responsible’ approach to the use of Information Communication Technologies (or ICTs). Essentially …
What’s the role of Oxfam in supporting social movements for change?
Social movements are important actors for change around the world, yet often they don’t neatly fit into our strategies and theories of change. Thomas Dunmore Rodriguez reflects on how INGOs like Oxfam should engage with social movements. Social movements are important actors for change around the world. Whether it´s a struggle against violence and impunity, for a more democratic regime, …
Gender & Development turns 25
This year, Oxfam’s international journal Gender & Development turns 25. The UK Development Studies Association and Oxfam marked the occasion by convening a one-day seminar for feminist activists from academia and development practice to discuss bringing feminist values to development research, policy and practice. In this podcast five of these activists introduce themselves and their research, and explain why they …
Accommodating uncertainty in advocacy and campaign evaluation
Jim Coe and Rhonda Schlangen, experienced advocacy evaluators, discuss the evolving challenge of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning in the context of influencing work. Over the last couple of decades, there has been a seismic shift in thinking about evaluating influencing work. As we argue here, we need to think critically about where we’ve got to and how to manage …
The power of purple: changing attitudes in Malawi
Nikki van der Gaag, Oxfam GB’s Director of Women’s Rights, reports from rural Malawi, where Oxfam is working with the First Lady to end gender-based violence and promote gender equality. The excitement is palpable. The sun is already hot, but people are gathering in groups to sing and dance. All are in bright colours, but the two that dominate are …
