April 2O11
Typhoon survivors in the Philippines show their products funded through a conditional cash grant
WELLBEING – a comfortable, happy, healthy life ONE PERSON Roger Ricafort, International Programme Unit Director
HOME AS FACTORY IN INDONESIA Millions of women earn an
of Oxfam Hong Kong, discusses wellbeing.
income by working at home – sewing shoes, assembling electronic parts, rolling cigarettes and more. Yet their work is often not respected by their families or by the women themselves, reports Siti Maimunah.
HUMANITARIAN WORK AND WELLBEING Survivors of Typhoon Parma in the Philippines (pictured) say they value material assistance as well as being able to participate in decisions about the aid, states Honorio B. de Dios, Programme Officer with Oxfam Hong Kong’s Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Management team.
FAIR TRADE AND CONSUMERISM IN HONG KONG If everyone lived a similar lifestyle to people in Hong Kong, the world would need the equivalent resources of 2.2 planets, writes Sharon Poon.
WATER AND WELLBEING IN VIETNAM In Oxfam Hong Kong
8 NEW PARTNERS, with a highlight on the Education, Science and
projects, people plan, build and manage their own water systems, and local governments are now using this methodology in their own programmes, writes Mark Blackett, Country Programme Manager.
Technology Bureau of Zheng’an County, in southwest China.
SEXUAL MINORITIES AND WELLBEING Navin Vasudev, Regional Programme Coordinator in southern Africa, explores discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter-sexed people (LGBTI) in southern Africa, China, around Asia, and in the workplace.
WELLBEING By Roger Ricafort
From the ground… Nawalparasi in Nepal was one cold place in January, and not even the fantastic taste of roadside donuts and samosa helped. I was in the district for an Oxfam International visit and had the opportunity to meet old friends from our local partner organisation, SAHAMATI. An interesting part of the discussion was their work on embedding
Zambia: Villagers, partners and Oxfam Hong Kong colleagues discuss wellbeing.
Nepal: Children are already skilled in basket weaving.
…back to a familiar place…
in relation to our concerns about gender,
Bangladesh, I had the opportunity to listen
All of the above, and everything in
have also held two wellbeing workshops
to a partner, Centre for Resource Studies,
between, have been exhilarating
in China. Incidentally, last month, in
present on what responsible wellbeing
developments. It brought to mind the
March, the Chinese National People’s
meant for them. There, our consultants on
time in Hong Kong in 1999 when we
Congress discussed “happiness” as its
our livelihoods strategy also talked about
started preparations for Oxfam Hong
strategic slogan for the coming years. In
agency and resilience towards responsible
Kong’s new strategic plan, and I was
Hong Kong, we will soon be working with
wellbeing. In Zambia, our partner HODI
reflecting on the strategic direction for
youth volunteers in the Oxfam Club on an
(which means ‘May I enter?’), had earlier
OHK and the question of the “end” of our
exploration of “responsible wellbeing.”
submitted their new strategy built on the
work. It became obvious to me that my
responsible wellbeing framework.
more than three decades of work – with
Through all this work we seek to
peasants and farmers, industrial workers,
understand better local concepts of
…to high levels of government and multilaterals…
church groups, political movements,
wellbeing and test our framework, which
students, cooperatives, non-governmental
is based on four inter-related dimensions
organisations and humanitarian workers
– self-sustenance, self-esteem, self-
– all point to one thing: after all is said
determination and social responsibility.
About 2,500 government leaders, policy
and done, people everywhere share an
This is an exciting development of
makers, statisticians, researchers and
aspiration for a “good life”, for “wellbeing”.
discovery and rediscovery.
in the city of Busan in South Korea to talk
The idea of “responsible wellbeing” was
The idea of wellbeing is not new; the effort
about “measuring the progress of societies”.
incorporated in the 2001-2006 strategic
to understand it and make it operational
Under the aegis of the Organisation for
plan and became enshrined in our
within development practice is novel. I
Economic Cooperation and Development
vision – a world where people are free
have seen the excitement among different
(OECD), the organisation of the 25 richest
from poverty and enjoy both rights and
people dealing with it; at the same time, I
economies in the world, the conference
wellbeing. The next step was to make this
understand the challenges and difficulties.
discussed the need to revisit how we
concept concrete and operational in our
But this is true of all new ideas and
understand, and measure, progress.
development practice.
discoveries – it takes time, nurture and
“responsible wellbeing” in their programme planning and monitoring system – something we had begun talking about two years ago. Four months earlier, in
resilience and sustainable livelihoods. We
development people recently converged
The concept of “wellbeing” took centre
patience. What is important is that we
…and out again…
allow people to work with it, understand it,
luminaries as Richard Layard of the London
Since 2007, we have organised wellbeing
own, and develop their own narratives and
School of Economics, Joseph Stiglitz from
exploratory workshops in Zambia, in
stories around the basic idea. The different
the Stiglitz-Sen-Fitoussi commission (which
Nepal, and in the Philippines, starting
strands and storylines will ensure that
was put together by French President
with “curiosity” as a theme. It is great that
we will have richness and robustness; to
Nicolas Sarkozy to develop alternatives
curious people and groups from all over
aspire for orthodoxy and systematisation
to such traditional measures as the
the world are working with the ideas of
very early will only serve to kill it.
Gross Domestic Product) and various
“wellbeing”, “responsible wellbeing” and
governmental leaders who are working to
“quality of life”. We have explored these
address the question of quality of life and
concepts in planning and evaluating our
wellbeing in their societies.
work in Cambodia and Timor Leste, and
stage – with presentations and proposals and debates between and among such
mould it, experiment with it, make it their
Roger Ricafort is Director of Oxfam Hong Kong’s International Programme Unit. Based in Hong Kong, he has been with the agency since 1997. Photos supplied by the author.
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
Wellbeing as humanitarian goal By Honorio B. de Dios
What is a happy life?
dimensional. We call it responsible
really value in emergency relief? Is it
wellbeing because it has both individual
the material benefits, or do they find
Understanding the quality of life and
and collective dimensions and because
any social and psychological gains as
wellbeing that poor people aspire to –
it highlights the responsibility we have for
well? Do beneficiaries see a link with
what is a comfortable, healthy or happy
contributing to each other’s wellbeing.
relief and the other dimensions of their
life 1 – is an important starting point
wellbeing?
Humanitarian relief should promote responsible wellbeing
OHK’s experience with the Typhoon
of personal and collective fulfilment,
The goal of any humanitarian relief is
2009 provides us with insights on how
and a balance and integration of
to save lives and reduce the suffering
beneficiaries link humanitarian response
four main aspects: self-sustenance,
of disaster-affected people. Hence,
and responsible wellbeing. Beneficiaries
self-determination, self-esteem and
emergency response projects focus on
identified several aspects of the relief
responsibility. OHK understands that
identifying what people need in order for
items that for them matter the most: the
poverty (ill-being) has both material
them to survive a disaster quickly and
quantity, the quality, and the manner by
and nonmaterial aspects and therefore
effectively. But it would be interesting
which the items were given.
achieving wellbeing must also be multi-
to ask: What do people in disasters
for Oxfam Hong Kong’s development programming. For OHK, the goal of development is achieving ‘responsible wellbeing’, where people obtain a sense
Parma emergency relief and early recovery projects in the Philippines in
LEFT Baby
crib made in Urbiztondo, Pangasinan. Other products and their makers featured on the front cover. / Photo: Madeleine Marie Slavick TOP Officers
of the Project Management Committee in Dorongan Valerio, Pangasinan, Philippines, review the list of beneficiaries. MIDDLE Volunteers
from the community help in the relief distribution in Mangatarem, Pangasinan. BOTTOM Training
1
on simple bookkeeping
Wellbeing – n. the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. Oxford dictionaries. See http://www.oxforddictionaries.com
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
Early recovery and responsible wellbeing
of Dorongan Valerio in Mangatarem,
recovery and in effect provide them with a
The early recovery components of the
my loan and was able to lend money
sense of security. Quoting one beneficiary:
project provided beneficiaries with the
to others.” A colleague at CONCERN
“We were able to save, because we
means to engage in livelihoods of their
concurs that the project “brought
had rice to cook for three weeks. We
choice. It consisted mainly of support
the people together and helped the
used the money we saved on food for
such as farm inputs (seeds, fertilisers,
beneficiaries become more organised,
other household needs. This reduced
tools), conditional cash grants (for
responsible and accountable to each
our worries and allowed us to focus on
small enterprises such as vending,
other in order to sustain the project.”
recovery for the following days.”
livestock raising), and food for work (farm
Having the appropriate quantity is important as it allows people to bridge the gap between the relief phase and
Pangasinan.“I bought piglets from my profit from my harvest. I paid for
rehabilitation activities). These projects
In terms of community livelihood
Good quality relief items can also bring
immediately enabled people to earn
mechanisms, PDRN and CONCERN
good feelings to beneficiaries. A health
income.
created community-managed revolving
worker in Pangasinan Province told
funds as a strategy for sustainability
us, “Some were even dancing after
But again, the question is how can
as well as to encourage community
receiving the good quality hygiene
livelihood recovery promote the different
responsibility. It is too early to say how
items.” Is this promoting wellbeing after
dimensions of responsible wellbeing?
successful the revolving funds will be in
a disaster? Maybe, but one thing is sure:
Perhaps one critical element is to create the
the long term, but what can be said is
the beneficiaries feel very satisfied and
appropriate processes and mechanisms
that the scheme is already preventing the
proud of the relief items they received.
that allow beneficiaries to regain their self-
beneficiaries from further indebtedness
confidence, recover their sense of worth,
to loan sharks, and is promoting people’s
“We are glad that we had the chance
and experience working together towards
dignity. Once the revolving funds become
to help those who suffered like us
the goal of achieving wellbeing. The three
more established through the regular
from this disaster. We are very happy,
OHK partner organisations in the Typhoon
repayment of borrowers, they will be able to
even though we are tired,” says Eliza
Parma response – People’s Disaster
serve other residents, thereby encouraging
Tapidos, a beneficiary of typhoon relief in
Risk Reduction Network (PDRN), Center
responsibility for the wellbeing of others.
the village of Urbiztondo. Her comment
for Emergency Aid and Rehabilitation
reflects an equally important aspect of any
(CONCERN) and Cordillera Disaster
Clearly, there is a strong link between
humanitarian response project that clearly
Response and Development Services
emergency relief, recovery, and wellbeing
promotes responsible wellbeing: the
(CORDIS-RDS) – did this by organising
of disaster survivors, individually and
participation of the beneficiaries and other
groups within communities and helping
collectively. The experience in OHK’s
community stakeholders in designing,
them strengthen their livelihoods capabilities
Typhoon Parma response shows that
implementing and evaluating the relief
which hopefully will contribute in building
beneficiaries value the material/physical
project.
their resiliency to disasters. It is expected
benefits of humanitarian assistance as
that these groups will continue working
well as being able to participate in the
together even after the project has ended.
decision-making of the projects, in the
Just as it is important to determine the
short and long term. Participation, then,
most appropriate relief package based on the needs of the beneficiaries, it is equally
As the beneficiaries were organised,
seems to be a necessary aspect in a
important to ensure the participation of
the grounds for working together were
comfortable, healthy or happy life; a life
beneficiaries and other stakeholders
effectively laid down. There was clear
with self-determination, self-esteem, self-
in the process. In the Typhoon Parma
distribution of tasks among the members
sustenance and responsibility (wellbeing),
response project, beneficiaries,
of groups formed for project management
for the individual and the community alike.
community representatives and leaders
and monitoring. Beneficiaries also
contributed significantly in defining the
attended basic training sessions in project
selection criteria of who received relief
management to enable them to manage
supplies (there is not always enough
and sustain the project beyond the
for everyone, so priorities need to be
project period. Beneficiaries of projects
made), identifying the beneficiaries based
run by PDRN, for instance, are now able
on those criteria (names are put on a
to prepare simple business plans, run
list and agreed to), and organising the
group management systems, do finance
distribution of relief items. Decisions and
management, and are aware of the basic
resolutions to problems were made with
principles of disaster risk reduction.
Honorio B. de Dios is Programme Officer with Oxfam Hong Kong’s Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Management team. Photographs supplied by the author.
the participation of the stakeholders – this promotes volunteerism, strengthens the
On a personal level, a sense of dignity
solidarity of a community, and facilitates
and responsibility can clearly be seen
wellbeing for all.
from the reflection of Lolita Solomon, a woman farmer beneficiary from the village
Beneficiaries in Abulug, Cagaya, showing their corn harvest; the low-interest loan project is being managed by the farmers themselves. The author of this article, Honorio B. de Dios, is second from right.
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
Water, Wellbeing and Initiative in Vietnam By Mark Blackett
Oxfam Hong Kong has been supporting Vietnam’s poorest and most vulnerable communities for almost 25 years, since 1987. Over the years, the country has made phenomenal economic growth, with Vietnam emerging as a middle income country; however, some people have clearly not benefited, especially ethnic minorities living in remote mountainous areas along borders with China, Laos and Cambodia. In these rural areas, it is common for nine out of every ten people to be trapped in poverty, and it is in these areas that Oxfam Hong Kong has focused its support. These communities often prioritise clean water for drinking, washing and cooking. For example in the district of Ky Son, which is located in Nghe An Province, near the Laos border, Oxfam has supported water and sanitation for about 7,000 people in 20 communities. Oxfam could provide clean water by sub-contracting to an outside engineering company, as local government often does. However this simple approach often does not provide a system that the community wants and these systems often break down within two years. In contrast, Oxfamsupported water systems tend to work at full capacity for a decade or more.
Behind the success
Drowning is the leading cause of child injury deaths in Vietnam, as children are often swept away in rivers when collecting water for the family. This child should lead a safer life, with a new water tank in Ta Ca. / Oxfam Hong Kong
Why are Oxfam’s programmes so
In the development of water supplies,
the technical support of an engineer; this
successful? It is not only what you do, it
this means that communities form
ensures they get the water system they
is how. In Oxfam projects, communities
committees to plan the location of water
want. Finally, they create a maintenance
are in charge of what they want to do,
sources, choose where tanks are located,
and operations committee that monitors
how it will be done, and how they will
organise community members to assist
water supply use and sets a small user
maintain the initiative. Communities are
with the construction, oversee the tender
fee which ensures that there is a budget
empowered every step of the way, with
for construction contractors, and monitor
to cover future repairs.
wellbeing created throughout the process
the work of these contractors. Crucially,
as well as in the outcomes.
they also lead the approval process with
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
The new tank provides clean, fresh and abundant water for all. Every community has a committee which leads with the maintenance of the water supply system, and every two weeks, there is a public cleaning day for the entire village. / Oxfam Hong Kong
People as drivers
Save time
Providing a simple water system is
A water supply right in the village saves
therefore much more than a contract
time. Water collection is traditionally
with an engineer. It is about allowing the
done by women or children, with every
communities to be in the driving seat. This
household needing at least one member
allows them to show that they are capable
to walk up to two hours to reach the river
of self-determination, thereby challenging
and collect 5 to 10 litres in bamboo pipes
mainstream perceptions that poor people,
or water buckets. This translates to about
especially ethnic minorities, can only ever
1,000 hours a day in an average village. A
be passive recipients of donor aid. Instead,
water tank in the village can cut this down
the communities plan the water system,
to minutes, with women and children now
bringing in their extensive knowledge of the
having more time for leisure, education
area. This knowledge is often ignored by
and income-generating activities.
outsiders, which is often a leading cause of project failure: wells dry up or become contaminated. Villagers also acquire construction and maintenance skills, and
Government to use Oxfam methodology
they find confidence to challenge poor
In all, a community-run water supply
workmanship of contractors, which is
project brings its individuals better health
another frequent problem.
and a greater sense of cohesion, selfdetermination and overall wellbeing.
Levelling the ground for a new water tank in the village of Khe Nap. Oxfam has supported about 20 communities in the district to build a water supply system, benefiting about 7,000 people. / Oxfam Hong Kong
Save lives
The success of Oxfam Hong Kong’s
With a clean water supply, the incidence of
requesting the agency’s support to use this
waterborne disease has been reduced by
methodology in their own programmes,
90 per cent in a five-year period (see chart)
with local governments willing to fund
as are the costs for medical treatment.
the construction costs for water supply
Secondly, people no longer have to run
systems. This initiative, which began in
the risk of using the river for bathing and
2010, is a remarkable step forward. It
collecting water, and the risks are real:
allows Oxfam to assist more people in
Drowning is the leading cause of child-
impoverished communities and to make
injury deaths in Vietnam, and the rates are
a significant impact in national poverty
likely to worsen, as increasingly, climate
reduction and water supply programmes.
work has led to local governments
change and watershed degradation lead to severe flash floods.
Mark Blackett is Country Programme Manager for Oxfam Hong Kong in Vietnam. He is based in Hanoi.
Reduction in disease burden in Huu Lap Commune, Ky Son District following Oxfam Hong Kong water supply projects 250
Gynaecological diseases
200
Diarrhoea 150
Red eyes 100
Skin diseases
50
Malaria
0
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
Silence and Stigma:
Discrimination against Sexual Minorities By Navin Vasudev
Development organisations working on
men but who do not perceive themselves
a clinic, most of them are ridiculed and
gender equality often build strategies
as gay or bisexual.
pushed away. One transgendered person
which strive to empower women,
says, “Doctors look down upon us as
Why is there discrimination?
freaks who don’t deserve good health.”
of this intervention is to combat gender-
A main reason why sexual minorities
recently signed a bill into law that now
based violence. This is an important
are discriminated against is because
also criminalises sex between women.
element of Oxfam Hong Kong’s work on
there is so little understanding of the
livelihoods and security. In areas where
issues around sexuality, especially
In fact, homosexuality remains illegal in
we work, however, we also come across a
homosexuality, which is often shrouded
much of the region, and while government
minority group – sexual minorities – who
in stigma, silence, taboo and shame.
programmes such as PEPFAR (President’s
suffer no less from violence, discrimination
This lack of awareness and acceptance
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) fund
and prejudice. They frequently face
extends beyond the individual level
the purchase of condoms, it does not
heinous forms of discrimination and
to the institutional, including the non-
cover the purchase of water-based
prejudice often similar to those faced
governmental organisation (NGO) world.
lubricants, which are necessary to prevent
by women: they lack a public voice, are
In 2010 for instance, when two gay men in
the tearing of condoms during anal
rendered invisible by family and society,
Malawi were hounded by the media and
intercourse. A number of studies around
and are often treated violently. In some
the general public for outing themselves
the world show that LGBTI persons are
countries, homosexuality is considered
and declaring their wish to be married,
a high-risk group to HIV infections, yet in
so criminal that a conviction may bring
Oxfam Hong Kong learned that some civil
Malawi and Zambia, there are virtually no
more jail time than rape or murder; it may
society groups, including an NGO which
anti-AIDS programmes to assist sexual
lead to a death sentence. Yet, the sexual
Oxfam supports, were in support of anti-
minorities.
minority community is seldom considered
homosexuality, which is the predominant
or included as part of a development
stance in the country.
strengthen their skills in leadership, augment their decision-making abilities and improve their wellbeing. A key area
agency’s gender work. Thus, there is a need for more organisations to work towards acknowledging the rights and needs of sexual minorities.
Discrimination in Southern Africa
In Malawi, where homosexuality acts between men are illegal, the President
Discrimination in South Asia A similar situation prevails in countries in South Asia where transgendered
In many countries in southern Africa
and inter-sexed persons, called hijras,
What is a sexual minority?
where Oxfam Hong Kong works, we see
live in the margins of society and have
a number of instances where people face
little or no social status. Hijras can face
Sexual minorities can be defined as
hardships. Many Africans who are visibly
extreme discrimination in health, housing,
persons of a sexual orientation which is
different – such as transgendered persons
education, employment, immigration
not part of the majority, or whose practices
– are not able to access appropriate
and law. This is largely due to the fact
differ from the majority of the surrounding
health education and health care, and
that the bureaucracy has been unable
society. Initially, the term referred primarily
their wellbeing is at risk. In Zambia, for
to place them into male or female
to lesbians and gays, but it has come to
example, discussions with transgendered
gender categories through which they
include bisexuals and the wide spectrum
persons reveal that when they try to enter
can claim their legal rights and access
Celebration with the legalisation of homosexuality in India / Foreskin Press
Gay march - Chennai, India / Foreskin Press
of transgendered people: lesbians, male homosexuals (gays), bisexuals, the transgendered (those whose gender identity does not match their assigned sex) and inter-sexed (those whose biological sex cannot be clearly defined as male or female). These days, they are often referred to in short as LGBTI. This term also includes people who may not identify themselves in any such category but may practice the same sexual activities. An example of this is men who have sex with
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
for promotion, and therefore one’s earning power and income.
What you can do A lot of work needs to be done, by schools, government, and community organisations to help address the basic rights of sexual minorities. Oxfam Hong Kong has taken some steps and will continue to remain vigilant. The agency’s personnel policies already include the protection of rights for sexual minorities, which applies for everyone at the Earnest Matsoalne from the Kambaka ‘Men as Carers’ project in South Africa facilitates a group of community members talking about HIV & Aids, condoms and sex. They use any building available to facilitate these discussion groups. Here a tavern is used during the slow hours of mid morning to run their programmes. Photo: M Willman/Oxfam
public services. The legalisation of
Environment (iSEE), works to raise
homosexuality in Nepal (2007) and
awareness on sexual diversity and
India (2009) has been a step in bringing
gender identity, and promote the rights
more recognition and equality for sexual
of LGBTI persons. iSEE says there has
minorities, but more progress is needed.
been some improvement recently, but stigma and discrimination against sexual
Discrimination in China
minorities prevail. A spokesperson recalls
In China, discrimination against LGBTI
Quang Binh Province was raped by three
individuals also occurs. One situation that
drunken men in April 2010. The local court
Oxfam Hong Kong observes is among
would not declare a case of rape because
LGBTI sex workers, primarily gay men
the victim was not legally identified as a
and transgendered individuals. The
woman. According to the court, a victim
agency currently assists low-income sex
of rape case can only be a naturally born
workers in various cities and sees that
female.
a case where a transgendered woman in
headquarters in Hong Kong and at the field offices in a total of ten countries. In community development programmes in southern Africa, we are developing strategies within the gender portfolio to build awareness on the rights of sexual minorities. In Zambia, the new country strategy clearly highlights the need for building awareness on the rights of sexual minorities; consequently, programmes targeting this group will be put in place shortly. In Malawi, there is also a plan to raise awareness among staff of Oxfam and partner organisations of the rights of minority groups. Only when we are aware and fully understand an issue, can we then reach out to the community at large. As the political and spiritual leader, Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) said, “You
LGBTI workers face more extreme levels of discrimination, such as acts of violence
In the Philippines, discrimination of sexual
by their clients. Some LGBTI workers
minorities also occurs in various ways.
do not use hospitals, because they have
There are cases of LGBTI students
experienced mistreatment from doctors,
being denied admission to schools or
whom they say are disrespectful and
being expelled, of companies blocking
look down at them. Oxfam is supporting
the advancement of LGBTI employees,
local community groups to provide
and law enforcement agencies harassing
various support. This includes a referral
gay men. Since 2006, several anti-
system with professional and empathetic
discrimination bills have been filed and
doctors so that LGBTI sex workers can
are pending before the Philippine Senate
be properly assisted; establishing support
and Congress, but so far, there is no law
networks among sex workers who can
to protect LGBTI rights.
must be the change you want to see in the world.” Navin Vasudev is the Regional Programme Coordinator for Oxfam Hong Kong’s programmes in southern Africa. A gay man, born in India, married in Canada, and now based in Johannesburg, South Africa, he acknowledges contributions from Oxfam Hong Kong colleagues Genela Buhia in the Philippines, Nguyen Thanh Ha in Vietnam, Wang Jing in China, as well as from iSEE (http://isee.org.vn/isee-en/) and the Oxfam team in Malawi.
provide emotional and other support to each other; and various activities to maintain their self-respect and selfidentity. After all, tongzhi, the Chinese
Discrimination in the workplace
word for gays and lesbians, translates as
In developing and developed countries
'comrade'.
alike, discrimination in the workplace is pervasive. Homophobia remains the norm.
Discrimination in Southeast Asia
Because many employers have no policy
In Vietnam, the law does not recognise
their sexual orientation from co-workers.
transgendered people. The Institute
This can negatively affect a person’s
for Studies of Society, Economy and
wellbeing, productivity and chances
on issues around sexual majority/minority, many LGBTI people feel forced to hide
Mbali Malevu from Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, at a youth camp on diversity. Photo: G Ndwalane/Oxfam
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
Home is my factory By Siti Maimunah
Modello, Scholl, Choix, and Rohde are
food products, wrapping, packaging,
the income from their home-based work
all high-end brands of shoes. One pair
assembling electrical or electronic parts,
can sometimes cover most household
can cost more than 300,000 Rupiah
making shoes and bags, making machine
expenses.
in Indonesia, or about US$35. Before
components, food production, printing,
being exported to Malaysia, Singapore,
typing, data entry, rolling cigarettes,
Germany, and Dubai, the shoes may have
producing incense, making toys, crafts,
touched Fatihah's hands.
plant nursery and post-harvest processing
Fatihah, one of millions
The challenge is within ourselves
in fisheries and agriculture sectors, and
The situation outlined above is what many
many others. The list is long and may
home-based workers face – a series of
involve high- or low-end products, but
injustices with deep roots. Peni, head of
tends to be for higher priced goods.
the Association of Women Home-workers of Indonesia, says, "Nevertheless, the
Are most home-based workers women?
main challenge for home-based workers
Yes. In Indonesia and in many parts of
to stop considering their work as merely
the world, this has to do mainly with the
a part-time job, and thus only deserving
gender dynamics in the home, where
low payment.” The Association is an
the woman is expected to stay, as wife,
OHK partner organisation based in East
mother, and household manager. So, if
Java where, Peni adds, “we learn a lot
a woman wants to earn any income, she
about organisational skills and home-
has to do it in the house. Home-based
based worker awareness." The agency
work is thus seen as suitable, as gender-
works to effect change in formal labour
appropriate: Women can now handle
unions, government and the wider public.
Fatihah is a home-based worker in
both domestic and productive roles. Yet
They also publish Swari, a magazine
Malang, a district in East Java Province.
this is where the problem originates. The
with inspiring stories on organisations
She is paid 2,700 Indonesian Rupiah
domestic role of a woman predominates,
that make a difference, and on individual
(IDR), or about US$0.30, for each pair
acts as an obstacle that prevents a
women’s experiences as home-based
she sews. Even though she works 10
woman from getting out of the house, and
workers.
to 12 hours a day, she at most earns
it limits her job prospects. Essentially,
IDR27,000 a day, about US$3. She says,
home-based work can make women
"It's good to have something to do" and
trapped, by space, time and social status.
that it is the only job available to her.
Working 8 to 12 hours a day at home
actually is within the women themselves; that is, to change their way of thinking,
Legal protection, not slavery
confines women and isolates them from
"Home-based workers form a portrait of
For Fatihah and millions of other home-
others. They generally have little or no
modern slavery," says Ratno Cahyadi,
based workers around Indonesia, and the
time or energy to go out to socialise, to
who works with the National Network of
world, the house functions as more than a
energise, or to learn anything new.
Friends of Home-Workers, another OHKsupported organisation which advocates
place to sleep, eat, drink and gather with
Does the work help raise women's status?
for better legal protection. He says that
No, generally not. Women’s status as
because they are classified as workers
wives has already positioned them as
in the informal sector; yet actually, he
Jobs done by home-based workers
second-rate persons in the family; and
says Indonesian labour law protects both
in such a position, the women generally
formal and informal workers.
Sewing, knitting, weaving, embroidery,
family also do not feel – that the women
ribbon-making, weaving sports rackets,
workers deserve a decent income.
stitching sports balls, attaching
Families do not tend to view the women
In Indonesia, most of the available work
shuttlecocks, beading necklaces, preparing
as important breadwinners, even though
is in the informal sector, a trend that has
relatives and friends, but also as a place for production and income generation. The workspace may be the kitchen, living room, family room, or terrace.
people tend to view home-based workers as being out of government jurisdiction
do not feel – and other members of the
Informal the norm
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
been increasing since 1998, during the
and respected, to have a good sense
the organisation. Sadly, this strategy
economic crisis in Indonesia, and right
of wellbeing, to live well, and to be able
was not effective. We had tried various
before Soeharto ended his presidency.
to grow as individuals. She also wants
methods, but until we were introduced to
At that time, there were 57 million
government to provide home-based
Perempuan Inspirasi Perubahan (Woman
informal workers, or about 60 per cent
workers with social security, holidays and
Inspiring Change), it was difficult to
of the workforce. According to Statistics
other labour rights.
maintain the commitment and passion of
Indonesia, the number increased to 63.8 million people in just four years. Last year, in 2010, it reached 65.3 million.
our members. The theme of this training
Labour union, legal union
was Preman Super, or Independent Woman as the Source of Change."
The Association has worked hard for
Survival
home-based women worker organisations
Peni says Preman Super has helped
to be formally recognised as labour
officers of the Association to be fully aware
Jobs in the informal work sector are
unions. The beginning – in 2006 – was
that each woman has her own strength
often the jobs that people choose last,
not easy, but the advocacy done by
based on her own experiences, skills, and
when they have no other options in the
the village women of Selogudik was an
knowledge. The women organisers are
formal sector. Maybe the workers had
inspiration for the women. They held
introduced to methods to help themselves
been rejected for positions at government
many hearings with the Public Work
– and then other women – to articulate
offices, factories or companies. In general,
Office in collaboration with several other
their personal and group strengths. One
work in the informal sector is seen as only
institutions, and at the end of 2008, the
popular method is making a mandala diri
providing enough money to survive on,
Association was acknowledged as a legal
to understand oneself; other ways include
not to live well on.
labour union in Probolinggo and Malang.
using drama, song, poetry, drawings and music. Eventually, once identified
Yuni, an advocate for change
Peni, independent woman as source of change
and recognised, the women’s strengths are then transformed into a remarkable energy, one that helps restore a good sense of self and wellbeing. Based in Jakarta, Siti Maimunah was a consultant for documenting learning from the Oxfam Hong Kong labour programme in Indonesia. Oxfam Hong Kong has supported both the Association of Women Homeworkers of Indonesia and the National Network of Friends of Home-Workers since 2005.
In 2006, a worker named Yuni decided t o j o i n t h e A s s o c i a t i o n o f Wo m e n
Peni has been involved since 2007.
Home-workers of Indonesia. She had
Responsible to develop the Association in
friends, other home-based workers
18 districts, she faces many challenges,
who were members, and she soon
among them internal ones. “In 2007, we
felt empowered to form a group of
started to formulate the organisational
embroiderers in the village of Selogudik.
structure. We established some divisions
She says she received good training
including management, advocacy, and
from the Association, from leadership
economy divisions, but then we faced
and organisational skills to specialised
difficulties to find the right person for
training in embroidery. Yuni wants home-
each position. Eventually, the officers
based workers to be acknowledged
were spread to the areas to support
O.N.E APRIL 2O11 10
Fair Trade in Hong Kong:
Where is the ‘fair’ when farmers get 10 cents for $20 worth of coffee? By Sharon Poon
Who doesn’t love to shop in Hong Kong?
(called a premium) which is enough to
The city has always been known as a
ensure that children in farming families
shopping paradise and ‘shop till you drop’
are able to go to school.
seems to be the city-wide motto. Signs of Gucci, Louis Vuitton and agnès b. are
So why are the sales of Fair Trade
ubiquitous. The sight of a toddler sporting
products so low in Hong Kong? Is it the
a Burberry jacket is no longer a surprise.
lack of availability? A lack of education and awareness? Or do we simply not care
Even for those of us who do not claim to
about the lives of those less fortunate
be brand-conscious consumers, we must
than us?
Celebrities, legislators, activists and other guests at the opening
admit that shopping is a necessity. So, what does shopping mean to us? Is it a
About 27,000 Fair Trade products are
therapeutic activity? A channel to exercise
sold in more than 70 countries around
our power within the marketplace? Our
the world; these products are categorised
contribution to making a fairer economy?
into 20 product groups – from sports
A way to promote a sustainable livelihood
balls to rice, chocolate to tea, cotton to
for people in developing countries?
wine, honey to coffee. Actually, all but a few of these categories (flowers/plants,
The Hong Kong Ecological Footprint
fresh fruit and fresh bananas) are sold
Report 2010 recently announced that
in Hong Kong, with Fair Trade coffee,
if everyone in the world lived a lifestyle
tea and chocolate forming the majority
similar to ours in Hong Kong, we would
of sales. Fair Trade goods are sold or
need the equivalent resources of 2.2
served at 110 outlets across town, but
machines at schools and stocked in
planets. If we cannot cut down on our
many consumers are only aware of the
company pantries. Fair Trade education
consumption, the very least we should
goods at chain stores, such as Marks and
can be incorporated into the teaching
do is to support our world and the
Spencer and Starbucks. Some may argue
curricula. If all children grow up with
environment through our consumption
that convenience is ‘king’ when it comes
the belief that it is ‘normal’ to buy Fair
habits. Fair Trade is an option.
to shopping, but we often go out of our
Trade products, together they can be an
way to hunt down the best cup of coffee
influential social force that rewrites the
S u p porting Fair Trade through our
or dessert in town, so why not extend the
future of the Fair Trade market in Hong
purchasing behaviour is a way to promote
effort to Fair Trade? Who knows, perhaps
Kong, and ultimately those of producers
a fairer economy for people in developing
if more of us buy Fair Trade, our demand
in developing countries.
countries, where shopping is probably
can encourage more stores, such as
considered a luxury. A large majority of us
ParknShop and Wellcome, to stock it on
knows that Fair Trade means a fairer price
their shelves, at all of their locations.
for farmers and workers in developing countries, but it goes beyond that. When
Based on my interviews with Hong Kong
we purchase Fair Trade products, we
consumers, the reason people do not
are also supporting labour rights, a
know much about Fair Trade is due to a
cleaner environment, stable contracts,
lack of education. I certainly did not learn
and democracy, among other things.
about Fair Trade until a few years ago,
Our chocolate will not be coming from
when I stumbled across Oxfam Hong
cocoa plantations where there is bonded
Kong, one of the few organisations here
or illegal child labour. Our bananas will
which promotes Fair Trade.
Children learn what Fair (and unfair) Trade mean
You can find Fair Trade products here: http://www.fairtradehk.org/?page_id=601&lang=en While working as a volunteer at a coffee plantation in Costa Rica, Sharon Poon became concerned with poverty among labourers. She holds a Master of Social Sciences in Corporate Environmental Governance from The University of Hong Kong. She came into contact Sharon Poon with Oxfam Hong Kong while doing research on Fair Trade in Hong Kong and the potential of branding to increase support of Fair Trade. She submitted this article to O.N.E for publication.
not be loaded with prohibited pesticides. Farmers will certainly receive more than
To increase public awareness, we can
HK$0.10 for HK$20 worth of coffee. The
do a lot more. For example, Fair Trade
Fair Trade price includes an amount
snacks can be included in vending
O.N.E APRIL 2O11
11
N
8
Every day, Oxfam Hong Kong works alongside hundreds of groups around the world, from small NGOs to international bodies, from government departments of developing countries to community groups based in Hong Kong.
ew
PartnerOrganisations
CHINA VOICES Speak Out Against Poverty in Mainland China
Here are 8 ‘partner organisations’ that we are supporting for the first time.
HONG KONG • African Studies Programme, University of Hong Kong
CHINA
Gansu • • Guizhou • Sichuan • Yunnan • • VIETNAM •
Education Department of Huan County, Qingyang City Committee of Communist Youth League, Huan County, Qingyang City Education, Science and Technology Bureau, Zheng’an County Poverty Alleviation and Development Office of Cang Xi County, Guangyuan City Gongshan County Poverty Alleviation Office Women’s Federation of Longyang District, Baoshan City Avao People's Committee, Quang Tri Province
In this edition of O.N.E, we highlight the Education, Science and Technology Bureau of Zheng’an County, a government department in the province of Guizhou, in southwest China. The Bureau is mainly responsible for the development of education in Zheng’an, including basic educa ti o n a s w e l l a s occupational, adult, pre-school and special education. It promotes universal education for all residents (nine years of schooling), works to reduce illiteracy among teenagers, and inspects and assesses schools at all levels.
The Bureau is working alongside Oxfam Hong Kong to provide teacher training in Xiaoya Township, located 67 kilometres from the county seat. Currently, there are 150 teachers in the township, some of whom lack academic qualifications or teacher training. They may not be aware of the new curriculum or teaching techniques. In general, the government’s teacher training programmes have concentrated in urban areas, not rural ones such as Xiaoya. The programme trains teachers who can then train others. There are four scheduled training sessions, with a follow-up session for participants afterwards.
Oxfam Hong Kong has launched a book of stories and photographs that features the views and accounts of people whom Oxfam has met in 23 years of anti-poverty work in Mainland China. The publication depicts the lives of farmers, women, migrant workers, ethnic minorities and community workers in China’s impoverished rural areas. Available at Swindon Books, Kubrick Book Stores, Relay, Dymocks, CUHK Press, Times Publishing, Hong Kong Readers, MCCM Creations, Xiyao Book Store and Oxfam’s online shop at www.oxfam.org.hk
Oxfam and CSR Conference 2011
O.N.E
Oxfam Hong Kong’s Director General John Sayer will be a guest speaker at an upcoming conference on corporate social responsibility, which we have been promoting in Hong Kong for many years.
Oxfam News E-magazine is published every two months, at www.oxfam.org.hk/ONE. To receive a copy in your inbox, please subscribe – it is FREE. www.oxfam.org.hk/one/subscribe.html
CSR Conference 2011, MBA Programme of The Chinese University of Hong Kong 11 May 2011, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, Wanchai, Hong Kong Oxfam donors and volunteers are entitled to a 20% discount on the admission fee. For more information visit http://cumbacsr.baf.cuhk.edu.hk/guest.html
O.N.E (Oxfam News E-magazine) is published every two months by Oxfam Hong Kong, 17th Floor, China United Centre, 28 Marble Road, North Point, Hong Kong. The publisher does not necessarily endorse v i e w s e x p r e s s e d b y c o n t r i b utors. For permission to reprint articles, please contact us; normally, we grant permission provided the source is clearly acknowledged. O.N.E is available free to all, in both an HTML and PDF version, and in Chinese and English.
Working with people against poverty www.oxfam.org.hk |
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