the future is equal. the future is now.
Letter from Our Executive Director and Chair
2024 put our humanity to the test.
The year was marked by terrible heartbreak, but also beautiful acts of solidarity. In Canada and around the world, the Oxfam community rallied like never before with an incredible determination to fight for justice and stand up for human dignity, often against all odds.
Every single day, families around the world were forced from their homes in search of safety. They risked everything to escape conflict, natural disasters, violence and hunger – often leaving with nothing but the clothes on their backs. And every single day, Oxfam teams were there to respond, providing life-saving food, water and shelter, while helping communities strengthen their resilience and build hope for the future.
On my visit to Somaliland, I saw how Oxfam invests in simple yet creative solutions, such as installing solar-powered water desalination plants to provide reliable access to water in drought-stricken communities. In Gaza, where over a million people have been displaced and 45,000 killed, Oxfam teams and partners rehabilitated damaged water networks, distributed ready-to-eat food parcels, and supported farmers to continue producing fresh produce as their community faced starvation.
Oxfam’s humanitarian operations kept people alive and afloat – but we also suffered terrible losses. This year has been the deadliest year for humanitarian workers. Our colleagues in Gaza were displaced repeatedly throughout the year, bravely delivering humanitarian aid while living under tents and mourning the loss of their own loved ones. Six of our close partners were killed while repairing water infrastructure and delivering urgent health services. We were left reeling – and yet undeterred.
At Oxfam, we know that life-saving aid is essential – but not enough. That is why we worked tirelessly to mobilize people to speak out against injustice, and put forward solutions to tackle the structural drivers of suffering and conflict. In Canada, we mobilized tens of thousands of people to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and to stop exporting weapons that are fueling the conflict and harming civilians. And we demonstrated once again that advocacy works – as a result of public pressure, the Government of Canada finally voted in support of a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire and announced that it would suspend many arms export permits to Israel.
This year Canadians were as generous as ever in supporting our work, responding to our urgent humanitarian funding appeals for Gaza and Lebanon, but also to disasters that didn’t make the evening news such as the devastating flooding in Bangladesh. But the onslaught of humanitarian disasters has stretched our operational capacity and made it harder to raise funds for other areas of our work – such as Oxfam’s long-term initiatives to advance women’s rights, strengthen grassroots women’s organizations, and help girls stay in school so they can one day go on and change the world.
Far too often, progress toward gender equality tends to backslide when times get tough, and women and girls are told to put aside their quest for justice. We at Oxfam remain determined to keep up the fight for equality – in good times and in bad – because we know it can’t wait.
On behalf of Oxfam and all of our partners, thank you for standing with us.
Lauren Ravon Executive Director Oxfam Canada
Karen Sander Chair, Board of Directors Oxfam Canada
COVER IMAGE
Rom Theany, collects dried hyacinth stalks for her family’s handbag business in Cambodia.
Photo: Banung Ou/Oxfam
THIS PAGE Oxfam partners Rede ba Rai and Juristas Advocasia are representing Dilva in a land rights case against the government.
Photo: Patrick Moran/Oxfam
OXFAM CANADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-2025
Candice Shaw ONTARIO
Sahar Raza ONTARIO
Aubrey Charette ONTARIO
Iraz Soyalp ONTARIO
Amelia Martin BRITISH COLUMBIA
Fae Johnstone ONTARIO
Rita Parikh BRITISH COLUMBIA
Karen Sander - Chair BRITISH COLUMBIA
Larry Swatuk ONTARIO
Dudley Thompson MANITOBA
Robert (Bob) Vandenberg ONTARIO
LAND
ACKNOWLEDGMENt
Oxfam Canada’s office is located on the unceded, unsurrendered territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin First Nation. We recognize the longstanding relationship the Algonquin have with this territory that has been nurtured since time immemorial. We also pay respect to all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit on the lands that we now know as Canada. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing oppression and colonization of the people and the loss of culture and land.
We recognize the valuable past, present, and future contributions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit as customary keepers and defenders of this territory. We honour their culture, knowledge, leadership, and courage. As settlers, we recognize this first step in a long journey toward decolonization and move towards reconciliation.
We thank members of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation for their support in reviewing this text (September 2023).
our approach
Oxfam Canada’s mission is to fight inequality and patriarchy to end poverty and injustice, with a focus on improving the lives and promoting the rights of women in all their diversity. We work directly with women’s rights organizations, communities and partners to challenge the systems that perpetuate inequality and keep people poor.
As one of 21 members of the global Oxfam confederation, which works in more than 86 countries worldwide, Oxfam Canada seeks to influence those in power to ensure that women trapped in poverty have a say in the critical decisions that affect them, their families and their communities. Oxfam Canada directly supports programs in more than a dozen countries across Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
Oxfam Canada is ambitious, driven and optimistic. We are feminist. We work with partners. We listen to each other. We share knowledge. We influence policy. And we know that charity is not enough. It is about justice.
Our unique, three-pronged approach focuses on ending poverty for good. We believe that another future is possible: a future that is equal.
We know that Charity is not enough
We provide emergency aid when disaster strikes or conflict breaks out. Together with communities, we save and rebuild lives and support the needs of refugees around the world.
We support projects that help people assert their rights and build better lives for themselves and their communities.
We work to change the laws and practices that perpetuate inequality and keep people trapped in poverty. We harness the power of people to change systems for the better.
Atsede, mother of two very young children, visits a clinic supported by Oxfam in northern Ethiopia Photo: Petterik Wiggers/Oxfam
our reach
In 2023-24, Oxfam worked directly with 15.25 million people and 2341 partners around the world.
We focus our resources and expertise on areas where we can make the most difference to the lives of women living in poverty. Through our partners on the ground we deliver humanitarian assistance, support long-term development programs and campaign for change. Through our three-pronged approach we have the most profound and sustainable impact.
OXFAM WORKS WITH MORE THAN 2,300 LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND INTERNATIONAL ALLIES IN MORE THAN 75 COUNTRIES
AND IN 2023-2024, HELPED 15.25 MILLION PEOPLE THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS
around the world benefited directly from our programs
15.25 million people 53%
were women and girls
were involved in Humanitarian projects
341 78% organizations received financial support from Oxfam partnerships with Women’s Rights Organizations
2
1 662 477 took actions in campaigns for social change
partners organizations and international allies around the world
18.6 million global citizens
Women in Kenya take part in a food production response project supported by Oxfam.
Photo: Misheck Kamau/Oxfam
Oxfam staff and partners at a solidarity event in Ottawa. Photo: Caroline Leal/Oxfam
Anjali carries a water-testing kit in rural Nepal. Photo: Kishor Sharma / Oxfam
SPOTLIGHT
The
world changed on October 7, 2023 ...
... when Hamas attacked Israeli civilians killing over 250, injuring 1,100 and taking several hundred as hostages. Since then, Israel has mounted a relentless military campaign against Palestinians in the Gaza strip that has killed tens of thousands of people, destroyed buildings and infrastructure, forced 2.2 million Palestinians from their homes and pushed the entire population to the brink of starvation. Oxfam kicked into gear immediately to provide life-saving supplies and advocate for a permanent a ceasefire.
Life-saving Support in the World’s Deadliest Zone
Oxfam, along with our 20 partners inside Gaza, reached 770,000 people with cash, food and essential basic items, restoration of water and sanitation services and protection of the most vulnerable – all under extreme circumstances. Bombardment is ongoing, and over 250 aid workers had been killed in Gaza in Israeli airstrikes in the first 10 months, making it the most dangerous and deadliest place in the world for aid workers.
Crossings into Gaza are very restricted and often closed for weeks and supplies held back during inspections. A safe humanitarian response that meets the overwhelming needs of the Palestinian population has been made nearly impossible.
While Oxfam and partners remain committed to supporting Palestinians in Gaza, a permanent ceasefire is needed to help stop further loss of life, deliver the required levels of humanitarian aid and halt the destruction of civil infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, water supply systems, and sanitation facilities.
Mobilizing Canadians for Gaza
Oxfam Canada has been at the forefront of calling on the Government of Canada to take action in support of a ceasefire by engaging the public, decision-makers and the media. Highlights include:
Through our online actions Canadians sent over 128,000 letters to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, and Members of Parliament, calling for a ceasefire and an end to arms sales to Israel.
In December, we projected “CeasefireNOW” on to Parliament. Canada voted in favour of a UN resolution calling for ceasefire shortly after.
Over 300 people, including 12 Members of Parliament, joined us in a one-day hunger strike in February in support of an end to arms sales to Israel. We also staged a die-in on Parliament Hill continuing to call for an end to arms transfers. Hundreds of organizations signed our letters to the Prime Minister to halt arms transfers. In September, Foreign Minister Joly suspended 30 arms transfers to Israel.
Our Executive Director, Lauren Ravon, visited the West Bank in May to get a first-hand experience of the situation. Following the visit, she briefed over 20 MPs on the situation and held a public webinar sharing what she heard and saw from our colleagues and partners.
A community member receives a food parcel from Oxfam in Gaza City. Photo: Jomana Elkhalili/Oxfam
Oxfam staff and supporters at a solidarity vigil in Ottawa. Photo: Philippe Larivière-Durocher/Oxfam
emergency response
Super Typhoon Doksuri
In July 2023, Super Typhoon Doksuri tore through Southeast Asia and in particular the Philippines, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. With winds exceeding 175 km/h and torrential rainfall, millions were displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods shattered. Across the Philippines, it was reported that more than 2.9 million individuals were affected.
Oxfam and our local partners mobilized quickly to deliver critical aid, including clean water, sanitation facilities, and emergency shelter kits. Recognizing that women and girls face heightened risks in disaster settings, we prioritized their safety and access to essential resources.
Oxfam was able to support 23,070 people in immediate need by:
Rehabilitiating and repairing safe water points
Distributing cash, shelter and hygiene kits
Providing psycho-social support sessions
Photo: Mark Saludes/Oxfam
Hurricane Otis
In October 2023, Hurricane Otis, the most powerful storm to ever strike the Mexican Pacific coast, devastated communities across Mexico. Over a million people were affected, and thousands lost their homes.
Oxfam was able to support 11,203 people in immediate need by:
Installing safe-drinking water stations: Oxfam provided safe drinking water to 971 households (3,782 people) in 9 underserved communities by installing 10 communal safedrinking water stations with purification systems.
Providing 2,300 households with essential sanitation and hygiene kits which include: a water storage container, soap, sanitary pads, baby diapers, toilet paper, mosquito repellent, and mosquito nets.
Establishing a women-led water station committee, empowering women to lead recovery efforts. 1,727 people received direct training on hygiene practices and overall awareness in emergency contexts.
Northern Ethiopia: A Lifeline for Conflict-Affected Communities
In Northern Ethiopia, years of conflict have taken a devastating toll, leaving millions in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. In partnership with local organizations, Oxfam implemented a comprehensive project in the Amhara and Tigray regions.
Oxfam was able to support 37,615 people by combining emergency humanitarian aid with long-term development support to address immediate needs while building future resilience.
Our focus included:
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention and Response: Providing safe spaces, psychosocial support, and essential services to survivors while working to shift harmful gender norms within communities.
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): Ensuring access to critical health services, including family planning and maternal care, even in the most challenging environments.
Women’s Economic Empowerment: Equipping women with skills, resources, and opportunities to rebuild their livelihoods and become agents of change within their communities.
Angelita is using a safe-drinking water dispenser in her home in Los Ilamos, Mexico.
Photo: Raymundo Somos Isla/Oxfam
Zahara is a health worker trained by Oxfam partner organization APDA in northern Ethiopia. Photo: Petterik Wiggers/Oxfam
LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT
How women are building a more equal future?
Achieving gender equality means transforming power relations and structures so women can defend their rights, control their time and resources, and shape their own destinies.
Getting girls into classrooms, helping women claim body autonomy, and training women in leadership skills so they can shape the future – is how we work to advance women’s rights.
In 2023-24 we worked with inspiring women and women-led partners and organizations to:
• Promote women leaders in Malawi to help increase the number of women in the 193-member parliament from 32 to 45 seats.
• Provide more than 260,000 young women with sexual and reproductive health support in Mozambique and Uganda, including medical aid and birth control and challenging social norms around body autonomy.
• Improve the capacity of Indigenous women and youth in Guatemala to manage socially and environmentally sustainable small businesses. By the end of 2023, the project launched 47 womenled and 7 youth-led new small-scale enterprises.
• Support 135 women producers in Colombia to manage their own finances following the success of Urban Food Hives programs.
• Provide human rights training, conflict management and peace-building to more than 80 men and 75 women working for community-based organization to increase access to education and the unique needs of young refugee women and girls in Uganda and South Sudan.
Investing in women is one of the best ways to build a better future for women— and to fight against inequality and poverty.
‘‘Education is key. When women are informed about their bodies and have access to healthcare, they can make choices that empower them and break the cycle of inequality.’’
– Gloria, Chitedze Youth-Friendly Clinic, Malawi
Natalina goes to school at Tobi Primary School, South Sudan.
Photo: Caroline Leal/Oxfam
ADVOCACY & CAMPAIGNING
We know that charity is not enough. Advocacy, campaigning and movement building are essential to challenge and change unjust laws, policies and social norms that keep people trapped in poverty and exacerbate inequality. That’s why you see us in the halls of power, in the news and on the streets inspiring others to join our movement of change. Our bold and brave actions are making a difference.
In the halls of power
Members of Parliament value Oxfam Canada’s expertise and regularly invite us to speak to a range of issues. This year, we provided testimony on a parliamentary study on the rights and freedoms of women globally, which provided recommendations to the Government of Canada on actions they can take to protect women human rights defenders worldwide.
Empowering Women
Domestic Workers to Secure Their Rights
In the news
Shaping the public narrative on our issues is a key influencing strategy for us. This year, we had over 8,310 media hits, the majority of which were focused on the situation in Gaza. We also organized powerful stunts to get media attention. Our “CeasefireNow” projection onto Parliament received over 400,000 views.
In Bangladesh, 90% of the country’s 10.5 million domestic workers are women—many driven to cities by poverty, dowry practices, or climate change. Through the Securing Rights project, women are stepping up to transform their lives and demand justice. With vocational and life skills training, they’re gaining the tools and confidence to secure dignified work and advocate for fair treatment. By organizing public forums, leading demonstrations, and collaborating with women’s rights organizations, domestic workers are at the forefront of pushing for legal protections. This is advocacy in action: women challenging inequality and shaping a future where their rights are upheld.
On the streets
We continued to hold Canada’s major fashion brands accountable to paying living wages to the women who make their clothes. We organized the “Stitch for Change Challenge” outside Aritzia’s flagship Vancouver store to raise awareness among consumers about the conditions garment workers face.
Asma is a domestic worker and part of the Securing Rights project in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Photo: Caroline Leal/Oxfam
SUPPORTER TESTIMONIALS
Having donated to Oxfam Canada for over 30 years, I know that it’s a trustworthy and highly respected organization and one that takes a strong stance on issues affecting the poor.
I first encountered Oxfam in 1967 when I was working in a bookshop in Oxford that was next door to the first Oxfam store. I supported them on famine relief they were doing to India at the time. I started my monthly donation in 1975 after arriving in Canada and have been supporting Oxfam ever since. To me it’s a ‘no-brainer.’
MONTHLY AND GIFT IN WILL DONOR
I signed Oxfam Canada’s CeasefireNow petition thanks to the organization’s outstanding job of shedding light on the situation in Gaza. They are clear and transparent in stating their position, while also explaining why it’s crucial for us to care and take action. I am proud to support their campaigns in the fight for justice and human rights.
ANN ATKINSON LONGTIME DONOR
ANIK LARIVIÈRE CAMPAIGN SUPPORTER
Photo: Philippe Larivière-Durocher
How we spend donor dollars
We thank our many generous donors, supporters leaving a gift to Oxfam in their Will, solidarity partners and government agencies for their continued support as we see a significant rise in humanitarian needs coupled with increased costs in all parts of the world, including in Canada. To meet growing demand, we will endeavor to make the strategic investments needed to scale our reach and impact. For every $1 of income, we spent 81 cents directly on programs that advance our mission to end poverty globally through development projects and
for systemic change.
This year we, again, earned the Imagine Canada Accreditation Trustmark, which means we fully comply with the high standards of the Imagine Canada Accreditation Program. With these compliances, our published financial statements and annual report, as well as Oxfam’s values and commitment to transparency and accountability, donors can feel confident knowing all donations are used responsibly and with the highest integrity to achieve our mission and purpose.
Thank you for your investment and trust.
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