Of the 1.3 billion people worldwide in extreme poverty, 70 per cent of them are women or girls.

Gender discrimination is a major cause of poverty and, in many poor countries, women still have great difficulties in getting a basic education, finding a job, or having fair control of household income.

Women work two-thirds of the world’s working hours, yet own less than one per cent of the world’s property; they hold only 14 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide; and gender-based violence causes more deaths and disability among women aged 15 to 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war put together.

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To tackle this long-standing inequality, Oxfam considers gender issues in every aspect of its work. This means ensuring that both men and women are consulted, and their different needs considered, in the design and implementation of programmes.

Gender balance

Oxfam’s programmes promote a fairer gender balance, whether at household, local or national level, and women are included in decision-making processes. In some cases Oxfam works directly with women’s groups, developing specific actions to help redress women’s disadvantage.

Programme experience shows that working with men and women together tends to have a more lasting impact on beliefs and behaviour. It is important to stress that promoting gender equality isn’t about privileging women while disempowering men.

Gender inequality often prevents a household from escaping the bonds of poverty – so when women are given greater freedom and better economic potential, it’s usually the entire household that benefits.