Very inspiring example of activism changing the world.

— Elodie Flenniau, Digital Manager, Oxfam Ireland

3 mins read time
Published: 3rd January 2025
Blog by Melissa Cooke

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Partners Spotlight: 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Webinar

Hearing from partner organisations and colleagues working in countries is always insightful and integral to the work of Oxfam Ireland.

Localisation and focusing on highlighting the work our partners do is a major focus for Oxfam Ireland.

What is localisation?

Localisation means supporting local and national organisations, or partners, to respond to issues in the countries we work in. Local partners work near the people we are helping, so they can respond quickly when crises happen. This means that they also understand the cultural context where they are working.

How do we do it?

A recent webinar to mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) was one of those insightful occasions for staff in the organisation. We gathered virtually to hear more about the work being done to combat GBV in programme countries.

We learned about the different contexts relating to GBV in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi and Uganda and how partners are working to combat this. We learned of the importance of men speaking up and taking part when it comes to challenging social norms and ending GBV, something that is also applicable in Ireland.

Thoughts from our staff members

“I love to hear how each partner is using community members' influence to push a long-term change. They are championing people who believe in the message and inspire the rest of their community to embrace a new direction, which is fairer to everyone. Very inspiring example of activism changing the world.”

— Elodie Flenniau, Digital Manager, Oxfam Ireland

“We must root our work in community structures and effectively strengthen the capacity of these structures (care champions/change agents) who are the first responders to any GBV incident.”

— Regis Mtutu, Gender Justice and Social Norms Coordinator, Oxfam in Zimbabwe

“Normally we learn about the problem and what is needed but, on this occasion, we were also told about the solution and the impact that has been achieved including the real lasting difference it has made to individuals and communities. Real lasting progress.”

— Trevor Anderson, Director of Trading, Oxfam Ireland

“I really enjoyed seeing the intersectionality and difference between all the different countries and partners’ work. While there was a lot of shared struggles and solutions, those vastly different contexts and experiences are often something we don't acknowledge when talking about the Global South.”

— Ben Holmes, Graphic Design and Multimedia Executive, Oxfam Ireland

Speakers at the webinar

Kaalu Mubita, Acting Executive Director at Young Women Christian Association of Zambia (YWCA).
Faith Minja, Programme and Policy Manager – Gender Justice at Oxfam in Southern Africa.
Vimbai Mutendereki, Executive Director at MUSASA, Zimbabwe.
John Kachere, Project Coordinator at Coalition for the Empowerment of Women and Girls (CEWAG), Malawi.
Lindiwe Jere, Development Coordinator – Gender Justice team at Oxfam in Malawi.
Jennifer Aguti Ajiji, Executive Director at National Association of Women’s Organisations Uganda (NAWOU).