Program areas at Oxfam-America
Programs to overcome poverty and injustice: oxfam works for long-term solutions to change systems of inequality that are at the root of poverty and injustice. We provide grants, technical assistance and work alongside local partners fighting to build fair economies, protect land and water rights, create equitable and sustainable food systems, and advance the rights and leadership of women and girls. As one example, oxfam worked to influence policy and practices of major food and beverage companies and their suppliers. Multiple companies and associations have adopted oxfam's recommendations. Notably, in malawi a local sugar company that supplies a major food and beverage company is actively implementing a land rights policy and working on establishing grievance mechanisms. The tea association of malawi, associated with unilever, has also expressed its commitment to developing a land rights policy based on the experience. Additionally, these changes ultimately benefit workers, producers, and caregivers. In the extractive industries sector, oxfam and partners mobilized to protect communities impacted by the east african crude oil pipeline project (eacop) in tanzania and uganda and ensure gender and environmental impacts are assessed as part of pipeline development. A courageous stand by women leaders led to rerouting part of the pipeline.
Campaigning for social justice: oxfam campaigns to change unjust policies that deepen inequality and keep people trapped in poverty. We fight for equality, climate justice, gender justice, sustainable food systems, and human rights in emergency response. We challenge governments, multinational corporations, and international actors to use their power to improve peoples' lives and to shift power to local and community actors. In a significant achievement, oxfam america filed nine shareholder resolutions last year challenging the practices of big pharmaceutical and oil companies and catalyzing change in critical risk areas. By actively engaging executives, boards, and investors, oxfam successfully advocated for greater corporate accountability. Notably, cargill, the largest privately held us corporation, committed to publishing a comprehensive gender action plan by october, showcasing their tangible dedication to promoting gender equality. Similarly, mars made substantial strides by releasing a comprehensive gender assessment for cocoa value chains and finalizing a transformative gender action plan.
Saving lives-emergency response and preparedness: oxfam works with local partners and governments to save lives in emergencies. Oxfam and its partners mounted a comprehensive response effort following the devastating earthquakes in southern turkey and northern syria that resulted in over 50,000 deaths and 107,000 injuries. In turkey, oxfam and its partners distributed essential resources such as hygiene kits, dignity kits, and menstrual hygiene kits to numerous individuals. Similarly, in syria, more than 48,000 people received assistance, including the delivery of over 2 million liters of clean water and the installation of 40 water tanks. Oxfam mobilized engineers to conduct building safety assessments, performed 70 repairs to water systems, and implemented sanitation and hygiene measures by installing toilets, showers, and water taps. Moving forward, oxfam aims to support 1.4 million people in the affected areas through initiatives such as providing food, restoring water systems, and offering livelihood support, including training and financial assistance. Additionally, aid will be extended to 800,000 people in syria over the next three years, prioritizing immediate needs and ongoing water and sanitation repairs.
Public education