Oxfam GB :: Oxfam in action :: Why we do what we do

What we do: Campaign for change; Emergency response; Development work; Why we do it

Issues we work on: Climate change; Conflict and natural disasters; Health; Education; Debt and aid; Gender equality; The right to be heard; Global Food Crisis; Trade; Private sector

Where we work: Countries we work in

The impact of our work: In words and pictures; On video

Special features: History of Oxfam; Oxfam myths exposed; Take the Oxfam Quiz; Reshaping our world

Why fight poverty?

Assaguid Ag Iddayanagh, a herder from the village of Zigberi, in a remote part of Burkina Faso with his new born son. Photo: Ami Vitale

It’s a basic question, but a good one. Why does Oxfam bother? Why put so much energy into saving lives, campaigning for change, and developing projects to give people more control over their future?

The answer is basic too. Belief – belief that in a wealthy world poverty is unjustifiable, and can be prevented. Belief that injustice must be challenged. And belief that with the right help, poor people themselves can change their lives for the better, for good.