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Oxfam International

Oxfam International is a confederation of 20 independent charitable organizations focused on alleviating global poverty.
Oxfam International
Leadership team

José María Vera (General Director)

Dr. Jemilah Mahmood (Board Director)

Gabriela Bucher (Director)

Headquarters
Nairobi, Kenya
Region served
Worldwide
Year stablished
1942
Address
Oxford, U.K.
Social Media
Summary

Oxfam International is a confederation of 20 independent charitable organizations focused on alleviating global poverty. The organization was founded in 1995 and has since become a leading global non-governmental organization (NGO) working to fight poverty and inequality in more than 90 countries.

Oxfam's mission is to tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice and to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by crises. Its work includes a range of initiatives, such as promoting women's rights, advocating for fair trade, and supporting sustainable agriculture and food security. Oxfam also provides emergency relief in response to natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises.

In addition to its humanitarian work, Oxfam is also a leading advocate for social and economic justice. The organization conducts research, publishes reports, and engages in advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting policies that reduce poverty and inequality, protect human rights, and promote sustainable development.

Oxfam is funded primarily by donations from individuals, corporations, and governments. The organization is governed by a confederation of member organizations, which work together to coordinate Oxfam's global operations and initiatives.

Overall, Oxfam International is a leading global NGO working to fight poverty and inequality. Its work is guided by a deep commitment to social justice, human rights, and the power of collective action to create a better world.

History

The history of Oxfam International dates back to 1942, when a group of Quakers in Oxford, England, founded the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (OCFR). The organization was initially focused on providing relief to civilians in Greece who were suffering from famine as a result of the Nazi occupation.

Following the end of World War II, the OCFR expanded its operations to other parts of Europe and beyond, providing humanitarian aid to those affected by war, poverty, and other crises. In the 1950s and 1960s, the organization began to shift its focus towards development work, promoting sustainable agriculture, education, and other initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty.

In the 1970s, the OCFR rebranded itself as Oxfam, reflecting its expanding global reach and its growing commitment to social justice and human rights. In the decades that followed, Oxfam continued to expand its operations and initiatives, working to address issues such as gender inequality, climate change, and economic injustice.

In 1995, Oxfam joined forces with a number of other international NGOs to form Oxfam International, a confederation of 20 independent organizations working together to fight poverty and injustice around the world. Since then, Oxfam International has become a leading global NGO, with a presence in more than 90 countries and a deep commitment to promoting social and economic justice.

Over the years, Oxfam International has played a key role in promoting a wide range of initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and inequality, protecting human rights, and promoting sustainable development. From advocating for fair trade and debt relief to providing humanitarian aid in response to natural disasters and conflicts, Oxfam International has been a powerful force for positive change in the world.

Goals and Purpose

The overarching goal of Oxfam International is to create a world without poverty and injustice. The organization's mission is to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality, while also providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by crises. To achieve this mission, Oxfam has set several specific goals and objectives:

- Ending poverty: Oxfam works to address the root causes of poverty by promoting sustainable development, supporting sustainable agriculture, and advocating for policies that reduce inequality and promote economic justice.

- Empowering women: Oxfam recognizes that gender inequality is a major driver of poverty and works to empower women and girls by promoting women's rights and increasing their access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

- Saving lives: Oxfam provides emergency relief in response to natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises, delivering food, water, shelter, and other essential supplies to those in need.

- Advocating for change: Oxfam conducts research, publishes reports, and engages in advocacy campaigns aimed at promoting policies that reduce poverty and inequality, protect human rights, and promote sustainable development.

- Building resilience: Oxfam works to build the resilience of communities and individuals, enabling them to better cope with and recover from disasters and other crises.

In addition to these specific goals, Oxfam International is committed to promoting social and economic justice, protecting human rights, and empowering communities to take control of their own lives and destinies. The organization recognizes that poverty and inequality are complex issues that require a comprehensive, multifaceted approach, and it works closely with local communities, governments, and other partners to achieve its objectives.

Impact

Oxfam International has had significant impacts in its efforts to alleviate poverty and inequality, promote human rights, and provide humanitarian aid. Some of the organization's key impacts include:

- Emergency response: Oxfam has provided emergency response and assistance to millions of people affected by natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises around the world. This includes delivering food, water, shelter, and other essential supplies to those in need, as well as providing support for long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.

- Women's empowerment: Oxfam has been a leader in promoting women's rights and gender equality, working to empower women and girls in communities around the world. The organization's efforts have helped to increase access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women, and to reduce violence and discrimination against women and girls.

- Sustainable development: Oxfam has worked to promote sustainable development and to address the root causes of poverty and inequality. The organization has advocated for policies that support sustainable agriculture, reduce inequality, and promote economic justice, and has supported community-based initiatives that promote sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management.

- Advocacy and campaigning: Oxfam has been a powerful voice in advocating for policies that promote social and economic justice, protect human rights, and address the root causes of poverty and inequality. The organization has conducted research, published reports, and engaged in campaigns and advocacy efforts aimed at promoting policy changes at local, national, and international levels.

- Partnerships and collaboration: Oxfam has worked closely with local communities, governments, and other organizations to achieve its goals. The organization has built strong partnerships and collaborations with a wide range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, businesses, and governments, to promote sustainable development, protect human rights, and provide humanitarian aid.

References
Oxfam International
Leadership team

José María Vera (General Director)

Dr. Jemilah Mahmood (Board Director)

Gabriela Bucher (Director)

Headquarters
Nairobi, Kenya
Region served
Worldwide
Year stablished
1942
Address
Oxford, U.K.
Social Media