About oxfam www.oxfam.org
Oxfam is a world-wide development organization that mobilizes the power of people against poverty. One person in three in the world lives in poverty. Oxfam is determined to change that world by mobilizing the power of people against poverty. Around the globe, Oxfam works to find practical, innovative ways for people to lift themselves out of poverty and thrive. We save lives and help rebuild livelihoods when crisis strikes. And we campaign so that the voices of the poor influence the local and global decisions that affect them. In all we do Oxfam works with partner organizations and alongside vulnerable women and men to end the injustices that cause poverty. Organization We are a confederation of 17 Oxfam organizations working together in more than 90 countries. Oxfam has more than 10,000 staff and nearly 50,000 interns/volunteers working across the world. The Oxfam International Secretariat which provides co-ordination and support to the Confederation, is a not-for-profit foundation registered in the Netherlands and based in Oxford, UK. We have campaigning and advocacy offices in the following locations: Addis Ababa, Brussels, Geneva, New York, and Washington. Winnie Byanyima was appointed for a five-year term as Executive Director of Oxfam International in 2013. History The original Oxfam was the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief, formed in 1942 in Oxford, UK, to provide relief to Greek people affected by the allied naval blockade in World War II. After the war the organization adopted its Telex name, Oxfam, and joined forces with other organizations around the world in the fight against poverty and injustice. Eight Oxfam organizations created the Oxfam confederation in 1995, coordinated by the Oxfam International Secretariat. The confederation has grown to 17 today, and there are plans to expand further when new Oxfam organizations are formed, especially from the global south. Governance Oxfam International is governed by the Oxfam International Board of Supervisors which normally meets annually. The Board members are chairs of the 17 affiliate boards, and a chair. Their work is prepared by the Meeting of Executive Directors who lead each of the Oxfam affiliates and meet together at least once a year.