The Role of Oxfam and OSIWA in Africa

 The Role of Oxfam and OSIWA in Africa

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The Role of Oxfam and OSIWA in Africa

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an extremely crucial role in the contemporary world. They typically focus the efforts on developing society, bettering communities, and encouraging the participation of citizens in a wide range of activities. The issues that NGOs seek to tackle range from environmental degradation and social problems to human rights and political instability. Through their undertakings, members of NGOs can facilitate much-needed transformations locally or globally (Paternotte & Seckinelgin, 2015). Over the years, numerous NGOs have emerged, with the majority of them said to have brought about wide-ranging positive changes in their areas of operation. This paper solely focuses on Oxfam International and Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), two NGOs that continue to attract attention for their members’ capacity to trigger positive change in several countries. The following discussion presents an assessment of these organizations by addressing their background, their missions, countries/regions of operation, and strategies for supporting LGBT rights.

Background of Oxfam and OSIWA

Oxfam International is an NGO whose members primarily focus on alleviating global poverty. The organization was founded in 1995 following the decision of leaders of different independent NGOs to form a confederation (Oxfam, n.d.d). Their resolution to come together was premised on the belief that such a strategy would result in efficiency maximization, allowing them to attain greater success in their fight to tackle indigence and injustice across the globe (Oxfam, n.d.d). Oxfam’s leadership places particular emphasis on activities aimed at addressing the fundamental factors that give an opportunity for inequality to thrive. Additionally, the organization’s management is committed to saving and protecting lives during the crisis and collaborating with individuals to build resilience.

Since the organization’s leadership wants permanent solutions to identified problems, they dedicate most of their time to campaigns that revolve around the need for genuine, durable change (Oxfam, n.d.b). Oxfam’s members yearn for a world where all people have the freedom to address to the authorities, can claim their rights as humans, and are able to take steps toward building a better future for themselves (Oxfam, n.d.b). Some of the issues that are at the heart of the organization’s agenda are land rights, climate change related problems, and gender rights. As of now, Oxfam operates in numerous countries around the world.

Furthermore, OSIWA is a West African NGO that aims to promote democratic values (OSIWA, n.d.b). Created in 2000, the organization dedicates itself to the formation of open societies in West Africa by advocating inclusive democratic governance, greater transparency and accountability in institutions, as well as active citizenship (Tanko & Afadzinu, 2010). Aside from advocacy, members of OSIWA are involved in grant-making, providing technical assistance, and partnership building, both within and along with other groups that are active on the same territory (OSIWA, n.d.b). Currently, OSIWA is present in nearly a dozen countries in West Africa.

The Missions of Oxfam and OSIWA

Oxfam's website shows the organization’s mission as a commitment “To help create lasting solutions to the injustice of poverty” (Oxfam, n.d.b). The NGO’s leaders note that Oxfam is just one of the numerous groups that intent on making positive social change possible, especially by empowering individuals to build a future that is not only secure but also devoid of injustice and poverty (Oxfam, n.d.b). Given Oxfam’s global reach, members of the NGO are certain that they are making progress in their efforts to accomplish their noble goals. Oxfam’s mission is underpinned by three core values, including empowerment, accountability, and inclusiveness, and a set of guiding principles that are primarily grounded on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Key figures within Oxfam strongly believe that it is possible to avoid and stamp out indigence and powerlessness if there are a political will and an unwavering human commitment to tackle the phenomena (Oxfam, n.d.b). Furthermore, OSIWA’s mission is “To enable open societies and inclusive democratic governance that are based on transparent and accountable institutions and an active citizenry” (OSIWA, n.d.b). The values that OSIWA’s leadership has identified as indispensable for attaining their mission are integrity, commitment and passion, respect for diversity, creativity and innovation, and fun. These principles guide, define, and govern the conduct of the organization’s members and their interactions with grantees and partner groups.

The Countries/Regions in which Oxfam and OSIWA Operate

As pointed out earlier, Oxfam is present in different countries arou