Oxfam Ireland

Everyone has a right to realise their potential, and to live free of poverty in a secure and more equitable world. 

We believe that with the necessary action and political will, this world is possible.  People have a right to life and security; to a sustainable livelihood; to be heard; to have an identity, and to have access to basic social services.

The Right To Be Heard: What it means

Women and minority groups are among those who suffer most when their voices go unheard. Last year, we continued with our work to empower the poor and marginalised to have a say in the political decisions that affect their daily lives.

Young people make up most of Jordan's population, but opportunities for them to influence decision-making are limited. Work is also hard to come by, leaving many frustrated, bored and unable to improve their situation.

Oxfam is now helping young people to find their voice. Building on decades of experience with youth-led film-making around the world, Oxfam's TABIR project worked with 33 young men and women to film, edit, and produce their own films in Jordan last year. At the first screenings of these truly incredible stories, hundreds came together across Jordan.

Impact

In Tanzania, we continued to support smallholder farmers in trying to influence local government authorities to increase the budget allocation to the agricultural sector. We analysed budgets in several areas to determine the amount of money being set aside for marginalised women and youth projects. To make local people more aware of the budgeting process, we encouraged 200 change-makers to work with us to influence the government to set aside more funds to farming projects aimed at lifting communities out of poverty.

Advancing Women's Rights: What it means

More poor and marginalised women will claim and advance their rights through the engagement and leadership of women and their organisations; and violence against women is significantly less socially acceptable and widespread.

Millions of women and girls who face daily discrimination and injustice struggle to achieve their full potential. We're working to break this cycle, helping women become leaders in their communities, have the same rights as men and free themselves from violence.

Our impact

In Malawi, our efforts to increase awareness of violence against women and girls (VAWG) continued last year. The campaign - Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) - tackles harmful traditional practices including child marriage, gender-based violence (GBV) and harassment. We also work to make sure that VAWG is reported by victims and that the authorities deal with the complaints.

In all, we reached 3 million Malawians with messages on the need to tackle all forms of GBV in society through the EVAWG campaign. As a result, we saw attitudes against GBV rise from 27 percent to 72 percent among women, and from 21 percent to 98.5 percent among men.

Saving Lives, Now and in the Future: What it means

Fewer men, women and children will die or suffer illness, insecurity and deprivation by reducing the impact of natural disasters and conflict. Those most at risk will have exercised their right to have clean water, food and sanitation and other fundamental needs met, to be free from violence and coercion, and to take control of their own lives in dignity.

When disaster strikes, it's those living in poverty who are the most vulnerable. Last year, we responded to crises in countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), South Sudan and Tanzania. Our global response delivered clean water, food and other vital supplies to those forced to flee their homes and helped rebuild communities torn apart by violence.

Our impact

In March 2019, Cyclone Idai - one of the worst tropical storms to ever hit Africa - devastated the lives of 3 million people across Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. This included more than 900,000 people in Malawi where heavy rains caused massive flooding, destroying people's houses and washing away their valuable livestock and crops.

Sustainable Food: What it means

More people who live in rural poverty will enjoy greater food security, income, prosperity and resilience through significantly more equitable sustainable food systems.

Millions of people struggle to feed themselves every day. Climate change, the lack of access to land and poor investment in small-scale farming all contribute to food insecurity around the world. Last year, we worked with small-scale farmers to help them diversify their crops, join co-operatives and lift themselves out of poverty.

Our impact

In Rwanda, we continued to encourage smallholder farmers to save money and diversify their crops. We set up 23 demonstration plots on farms to train communities in modern techniques to help increase productivity.

They have also set up savings groups to help them cope during stressful times, such as periods of drought.

Fair Sharing of Natural Resources: What it means

The world's most marginalised people will be significantly more prosperous and resilient, despite growing competition for land, water, food and energy sources as well as the impact of the climate change.

The protection of natural resources is vital for people who rely on them as a source of food and income. That is why we're supporting local communities in the sustainable management of their land, water, forests and wildlife.

Our impact

When our land project in Tanzania began two years ago, only half of the women we worked with either solely owned their land or co-owned a plot with a husband or relative. Our aim this year was to increase that figure by 40 percent. But after two years, 100 percent - or 561 of the women we support - have received the necessary certificates to make them sole or joint landowners.

Financing for Development and Universal Essential Services: What it means

There will be higher quality and quantity of financial flows that target poverty and inequality, and empower citizens, especially women, to hold governments, donors and the private sector to account for how revenue is raised and spent. More women and men, girls and boys will exercise their right to universal quality health and education services, making them full participants in their communities and strengthening the economic, social and democratic fabric of their societies.

Unless services such as health and education are properly funded, we will never eradicate poverty. Over the past 12 months, we have continued to advocate for more budget allocation and spending on these essential services.

Our impact

One of our many actions in Malawi was focusing on getting the real-life stories of Malawians experiencing poor healthcare into the media. We aimed to get 50 stories aired or published over the past year, but the final total reached 66. Following media coverage highlighting how difficult it was for a poor community to get healthcare in one target area, the district council reopened a clinic.

We have also carried out research into the persisting stigma around HIV as well as disability inclusiveness in Malawi's healthcare system. The results ultimately led to a rise in the number of HIV patients attending clinics in the areas in which we work.

Message From the CEO

Over the past 12 months, tackling inequality was our primary focus. Inequality drives poverty, heightens tensions over natural resources and ensures that those least responsible will bear the brunt of climate chaos. It also prevents women from earning a living or educating themselves and their children. This, in turn, keeps the next generation trapped in the cycle of poverty.

At home, our Family Reunification Bill – which would enable more refugees living in Ireland to be reunited with their loved ones – passed through the Seanad with cross-party support in March 2018. In December, we engaged supporters across Ireland to send 1,500 cards to their local TDs, calling on them to ensure the Bill progressed and passed second stage in the Dáil. We’ll continue to work with Senators, TDs and partners until the Bill is enacted into law.

We are on a long journey with the work that we do, but I am certain that all of us – our staff, volunteers and supporters – are on the right path. I would like to thank every single person who brings so much energy, enthusiasm and generosity to our work in Oxfam Ireland. With your help, I know we are on the road to a brighter future.