We are Oxfam in Asia. We fight for a more equal future

We are part of a global movement, campaigning for economic, gender and climate justice – for change that lasts.

Oxfam in Asia fights inequality to end poverty and injustice – now and for the long term. We believe all lives are equal. No one should be discriminated against or live in poverty. We want a world in which everyone can safely speak truth to power, claim their human rights, and build a better future for themselves. 

We work with alliances, networks and organizations in the Asia region to advocate for just and fairer economies. We challenge patriarchal systems that push the burden of care work on women and girls. We campaign for climate justice, for sustainable food systems, and for the rights of those who make our food, clothes and products that we enjoy. We strive to create safe spaces that allow people to hold the powerful into account. 

Jerry cans of drinking water, Cox's Bazar flooding

Jerry cans of drinking water being delivered at Cox's Bazar post-flooding. Photo credit: Oxfam in Bangladesh

When disaster strikes, our priority is to save lives, and then to help people come back stronger.

Oxfam makes sure that people are able to have decent sanitation and can get clean water to drink. We provide help for people to get food and other essentials they need to survive, and ensure that the most vulnerable are kept safe from harm. We support them in being better prepared to cope with shocks and uncertainties. We help rebuild communities to come back stronger from disaster, and to face the future on their own terms. 

We place equality and feminism at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values

Oxfam in Asia commits to living our values. We understand that how we work is as important as what we work on. We are guided by the following values in our influencing work and partnerships.  

 

  • We are rights-based  
  • We are feminist  
  • We fight inequality  
  • We are humanitarian  
  • We are local, regional and global  
  • We are driven by diversity  
  • We are a knowledge-based organization  

Feminist Commitments

Oxfam in Asia commits to ending sexism, shifting entrenched power structures and challenging any form of power abuse. We believe that women and people of diverse gender identities should be free of political, social, and economic oppression and exploitation. 

In support of this aim, our influencing work is guided by these principles: 

 

  • We share power. 
  • We challenge our behaviour. 
  • We support the feminist movement. 
  • Nothing about us without us. 
  • Feminism is for everyone. 
  • There is no justice without gender justice. 
  • We champion diversity and inclusion. 
  • We value safe participation. 
  • We provide a supportive environment for influencing. 
  • We believe in freedom of expression. 
  • We will eliminate gender-based violence.

Today, Oxfam works in 12 countries here in Asia. See where we work