GENDER JUSTICE
'We used pieces of clothes as sanitary towels. And you can’t stay in class when you are doing that.'
GENDER JUSTICE
'We used pieces of clothes as sanitary towels. And you can’t stay in class when you are doing that.'
‘If my period began when I was in school, I would fake a headache and ask the teacher to allow me to go home. I wouldn’t be able to tell the teacher that I was on my period, because I felt shy. The minute the clothes fill up, it’s a whole mess.’
- Jillo*
* Not her real name.
Seven out of 10 girls in Kenya miss up to a week of schooling every month because they cannot access sanitary pads. ‘Period poverty’ has created a huge barrier to education for girls like Jillo.
Across the world, women and girls are suffering the consequences of being female. They face discrimination, violence, abuse and unequal treatment at home, at work and in their communities. They are denied opportunities to learn, to earn and to lead. Gender justice is the only means of ensuring equal futures.
OUR WORK
Ending gender-based violence and discrimination
OUR WORK
Ending gender-based violence and discrimination
At the heart of wars and crises – whether political, economic or climate in origin – is gender inequality. Women are increasingly both collateral and subjected to suffering on a grand scale, including through gender-based violence.
At the heart of wars and crises – whether political, economic or climate in origin – is gender inequality. Women are increasingly both collateral and subjected to suffering on a grand scale, including through gender-based violence.
Oxfam’s research has found that more women and children were killed in Gaza by the Israeli military in a single year than the equivalent period of any other conflict over the past two decades.
In 2023–24, some countries – including Botswana, Chile and Mexico – saw law and policy developments: decriminalizing and promoting consensual sex between people of the same gender, expanding access and participation for women and gender-diverse people to shape policies and practices, and increasing rights for more bodily autonomy. But elsewhere, and in response to such advancements, anti-rights forces fought to maintain discrimination.
As a global movement dedicated to fighting inequality, Oxfam sees its role as pivotal in the advancement of gender justice and realizing ‘feminist futures’. We strive to foster partnerships and support women’s rights, feminist and LGBTQIA+ movements, addressing the root causes of gender and power inequality, and advancing systems change, while centering decolonial feminist practices within our organization.
Across the world, our work exemplified the power of collective action. In March 2024 we launched the #HerMoneyMatters campaign in 25 countries, and at the Commission on the Status of Women 68th Session in New York, we advocated for feminist economic alternatives.
We strive to foster partnerships and support women’s rights, feminist and LGBTQIA+ movements
The challenges to our work on gender justice stem from the pervasive issue of violence and the rapid shrinking of civil society space.
Gender-based violence transcends cultures, borders and contexts, keeping women, girls, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary people marginalized and subject to exploitation. There are various manifestations of violence; threats faced by environmental defenders in Peru, digital harassment of activists advocating for sexual and reproductive rights, and the violence against women in politics in Bolivia.
In many countries, shrinking civil society space has involved restricting funding, exclusion from decision-making spaces, online and physical violence, and backsliding on the policies and commitments to gender justice for which many have fought so hard.
Gender-based violence transcends cultures, borders and contexts, keeping women, girls, LGBTQIA+ and non-binary people marginalized and subject to exploitation
These challenges create significant obstacles to advancing gender justice and necessitate our urgent attention and action. Oxfam has learnt that activism is the most vital and consistent factor driving policy change. Through meetings and coalition building, Oxfam has expanded space for action, advocacy, healing and solidarity with feminist and queer movements across the world. In the MENA region, Oxfam organized the first inter-generational forum around restricted knowledge, a safe space for 20 feminists to discuss their views on sexual and reproductive health and rights topics.
We remain accountable to marginalized communities and people, centering our values and ensuring that gender justice is at the heart of everything we do.
Oxfam has learnt that activism is the most vital and consistent factor driving policy change
We worked with
793,750
people
This included:
518,000
women and girls
231,220
young people
9,651
people with disabilities
OUR WORK ACROSS THE WORLD
HONDURAS
A MILESTONE IN WOMEN’S RIGHTS
In March 2024 the Honduras Government approved the Shelter Homes Law. This marked a milestone in the eight-year struggle by Oxfam and other organizations in Honduras to recognize and strengthen women's rights.
In March 2024 the Honduras Government approved the Shelter Homes Law. This marked a milestone in the eight-year struggle by Oxfam and other organizations in Honduras to recognize and strengthen women's rights.
The most immediate effect is that the national budget will have to provide resources to women’s shelters. Until now, only 10 women’s shelters in Honduras exist, serving around 550 women per year who are subject to abuse and under threat of femicide. The new law will allow more survivors and their children to access these safe spaces.
Oxfam, with other international and local organizations, supported women's groups leading this struggle by providing resources and strategic guidance in advocating for the law. We funded advocacy, campaigns, evidence-gathering and meetings with parliamentarians to raise awareness about victims of violence.
Our work at the legislative level will continue to influence the preparation and approval of the law’s regulations and begin its implementation
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MARION REIMERS
Iguadar, launched by Oxfam in Mexico in 2023, was an experimental digital platform that allowed supporters to contribute to Oxfam through art, community and activism. We invited people to donate or buy indigenous crafts or work by Mexican artists and to participate in workshops and conversations about the work of Oxfam.
Unlike traditional donations, the ‘donAcciones’ that Igualdar generated were used to help build a sense of community, highlight the work of local artists and generate meaningful conversations about social justice.
Among the contributors was Marion Reimers, one of the most prominent figures in sports journalism in Mexico. She is known for her insightful coverage and advocacy for gender equality in sports and her cofounding of a non-governmental organization whose objective is to combat discrimination based on gender, class and race.
Marion contributed significantly to Igualdar by donating 10 signed soccer balls. The donations drew attention to the cause and indicated the role that influential figures can play in supporting our work.
The Igualdar campaign was seen on social media by around 200,000 people, and 5,400 people visited the Igualdar website. It raised around 800,000 Mexican pesos (approximately 47,059 US dollars) for Oxfam’s work.
Funds raised by supporters like Marion are spent globally where we stand the best chance of helping people to create change in their lives. This may include advocacy work on gender justice in Honduras, alongside other activities.
GABRIELA CORDOVA
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Centro De Estudios De La Mujer De Honduras
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The Centro de Estudios de la Mujer de Honduras (CEM-H) is a feminist organization that promotes research about women. It also trains women and works to influence legal frameworks and public policies in Honduras.
‘The relationship is one of mutual collaboration and learning, with horizontal power relations and respect for each organization’s knowledge.
Oxfam's learning sessions have been very useful. Information on tax policy and workshops on political influence have been very important for us and our local allies, and we have taken all these lessons back to the women we work with.’
Suyapa Martinez
Director, CEM-H
The partnership with Oxfam began in 2010. CEM-H and Oxfam identify possible areas of work on promotion and defense of women's rights at different levels. Drawing on Oxfam’s long experience of influencing and awareness-raising, CEM-H seeks changes in public policy and legal frameworks in the country. CEM-H also counts on financial support and technical assistance from Oxfam.
Achievements include consultation on the government budget, which now includes 21 articles focused on women. The Commission for the Follow-up of Investigations into Violent Deaths of Women and Femicides was created as a direct result of the efforts of CEM-H and Oxfam.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Centro De Estudios De La Mujer De Honduras
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SUYAPA MARTINEZ |
The Centro de Estudios de la Mujer de Honduras (CEM-H) is a feminist organization that promotes research about women. It also trains women and works to influence legal frameworks and public policies in Honduras.
"The relationship is one of mutual collaboration and learning, with horizontal power relations and respect for each organization’s knowledge.
Oxfam's learning sessions have been very useful. Information on tax policy and workshops on political influence have been very important for us and our local allies, and we have taken all these lessons back to the women we work with."
Suyapa Martinez
Director (CEM-H)
The partnership with Oxfam began in 2010. CEM-H and Oxfam identify possible areas of work on promotion and defense of women's rights at different levels. Drawing on Oxfam’s long experience of influencing and awareness-raising, CEM-H seeks changes in public policy and legal frameworks in the country. CEM-H also counts on financial support and technical assistance from Oxfam.
Achievements include consultation on the government budget, which now includes 21 articles focused on women. The Commission for the Follow-up of Investigations into Violent Deaths of Women and Femicides was created as a direct result of the efforts of CEM-H and Oxfam.
HER MONEY MATTERS
BREAKING THE CHAINS
Oxfam's global campaign, HerMoneyMatters, launched on International Women’s Day in March 2024, addressed the structural imbalances in global economics and aimed to promote a feminist future in which gender justice is central to economic policy making.
Oxfam's global campaign, HerMoneyMatters, launched on International Women’s Day in March 2024, addressed the structural imbalances in global economics and aimed to promote a feminist future in which gender justice is central to economic policy making.
In Lebanon a group of Palestinian women refugees took control of their economic destiny. Amidst the enormous challenges of displacement, they found employment through the art of embroidery. Their journey showed how feminist economic alternatives can thrive in the most challenging circumstances. In Senegal, Oxfam organized a webinar on feminist financing. Here the conversation was about the value of unpaid care work that women perform daily. This dialogue sparked new ideas and strategies, inspiring activists and policymakers. And in South Africa, the campaign took on a life of its own, addressing issues from equal pay to access to education through targeted social media initiatives.
The campaign also traveled to the coffee fields of El Salvador, where Oxfam highlighted the inspiring story of María, a leader of a savings group within a coffee-picking cooperative. María encouraged women in her community to pool their resources and create a safety net in a region where economic instability is the norm. Through the savings group, the women were able to invest in their businesses and support their families.
People in more than 15 countries shared posts on social media, adding to the global narrative of women reclaiming their financial future. The campaign achieved far more than generating ‘likes’ and ‘clicks’ on social media – it sparked a collective commitment to advancing feminist economic alternatives through solidarity and mutual support.
SENEGAL
GAME CHANGER
Oxfam partner, the Social Change Factory (SCF), launched an educational quiz game in Senegal entitled Yaa Ma Gëna Xam (YMGX), which in Wolof (the most widely spoken language in Senegal) means ‘Let’s Learn Together.’
Oxfam partner, the Social Change Factory (SCF), launched an educational quiz game in Senegal entitled Yaa Ma Gëna Xam (YMGX), which in Wolof (the most widely spoken language in Senegal) means ‘Let’s Learn Together.’
The game, consisting of printed cards and available as an app, was designed to promote a sense of culture and citizenship in children and young people. It was developed by teams working with young players, and focuses on themes such as rights, health, geography and history.
In 2023 Oxfam supported SCF to develop a new version of the YMGX game focusing on inequalities, discrimination, gender-based violence and gender-specific vulnerabilities and risks, for distribution in schools. The aim was to raise awareness among young people (aged 15 to 24) and promote gender justice.
SCF organized a competition for schools in six regions of the country: Dakar, Fatick, Ziguinchor, Kolda, Thiès and Tambacounda; around 7,500 students took part. The competition was designed to encourage increased appreciation of the role of women in Africa’s history and society.
The Senegal Youth Consortium also created a YMGX club in Guédiawaye (Dakar), which is raising awareness among young people in the older age group of 18 to 35 years.
The game is distributed in Niger under the name Wa Ye Wa (meaning ‘Awakening’ in Haoussa). And SCF are also exploring development of the game in other West and Central African countries.
MIDDLE EAST & NORTH AFRICA
CREATING FEMINIST FUTURES
The Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region experiences the largest gender disparity in the world and witnesses some of the fiercest gender backlash. Oxfam’s strategy in MENA supports feminist and human rights activists, women’s rights organizations, and initiatives to advance gender justice.
The Middle East and Northern Africa (MENA) region experiences the largest gender disparity in the world and witnesses some of the fiercest gender backlash. Oxfam’s strategy in MENA supports feminist and human rights activists, women’s rights organizations, and initiatives to advance gender justice.
To achieve this, Oxfam created closed feminist circles, or ‘SPARKs’ and a feminist program of mentorship and training. Both programs discuss issues that are considered taboo and connect across generations, countries and interests to create joint advocacy movements.
Through a process of feminist facilitation, participants addressed issues of identity, gender, reproductive and sexual rights. They also considered matters that had been rarely addressed by feminist movements in the region, such as climate justice, economies, inequality and austerity – all from a gender perspective. In this way the SPARKs forum and the mentorship program provided a safe context for activists to counter the closing of civic spaces and gender backlash. The mentorship program enabled activists to break the hierarchy of knowledge and sharing.
Partners and feminist activists represented their region in global meetings, bringing a strong message of solidarity and indigenous voices. For example, MENA feminist groups represented the region at the Women and Gender Working Group in the United Nations Climate Conference COP28, drawing attention to militarization and climate change in MENA. Oxfam supported mentees who were part of the feminist mentorship program to be present at the World Social Forum in Nepal in February 2024, bringing young feminist voices from MENA to the world.
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ROGER BAKER
Some offer Oxfam their support by to volunteering in one of the 500 Oxfam shops in cities across the UK, where ‘Oxfam shops’ have become synonymous with ‘charity shops’ and sell second-hand and ethically sourced goods.
Roger has been a volunteer in the Oxfam shop in Abingdon, a small town in the UK, for 55 years. In 2024 he received an award from the mayor of the town for his outstanding contribution.
He says, ‘It’s a very nice place to be. I come down here for a few hours most days. This is my second family. Why do I volunteer? I want to feel useful, and it’s a great positive for me.’
Funds raised in our trading operations, supported by the work of volunteers like Roger are spent where most critically needed across our global work. This may include work on women’s rights in the Middle East, alongside other activities.
HADEEL QAZZAZ
MOZAMBIQUE
UNSAFE ABORTIONS HALVED
In Mozambique, Oxfam has been working since 2019 with girls and women aged 10 to 24, to improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) – with remarkable results.
In Mozambique, Oxfam has been working since 2019 with girls and women aged 10 to 24, to improve their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) – with remarkable results.
There has been a reduction in the percentage of unsafe abortions in Mozambique, from 16% in 2019 to 8% in 2024. Safe abortion services are now available in 18 health facilities.
Improved sexual and reproductive health and rights for adolescent girls and young women in targeted districts of Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia:
The Her Future Her Choice project spread awareness through radio, community theatres, lectures and discussion groups about the de-criminalizing of abortion. A march is now held to commemorate 28 September, International Safe Abortion Day, as declared by the Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights in 2011.
As a result of the project, there has been an improvement and an increase in the number of adolescent girls and young women seeking SRHR services. Around 278 activists, facilitators and peer educators have received training in SRHR services and awareness of gender-based violence.
Genita Julião, aged 24, is one of the participants in the project. At the age of 15, Genita was forced to marry, and in the following years she gave birth to four children. In 2023, Genita took part in discussion sessions, where she learnt about family planning methods, premature marriage and early pregnancy. Now with a bit more time to herself, she is part of a savings group and runs a small business to help with family finances.
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