How we fight inequality

Our first activities in Vietnam took place in 1955, when we provided humanitarian assistance. Since the late 1980s we have implemented several development projects across Vietnam aimed at reducing poverty. After Vietnam reached the lower-middle income benchmark in 2010, the needs of the poorest and most marginalized groups in society remain high; Oxfam’s country strategy has shifted accordingly to addressing inequality.

What We Believe In

We believe that equality is essential for a just society – a society in which everyone, regardless of gender, has equal access to resources and opportunities, and is treated with dignity and respect.

Oxfam in Vietnam vision is of a Vietnam where all forms of poverty, injustice and inequality are eliminated by enabling women and disadvantaged communities to exercise their rights and voice their own agendas.

Our Mission

We are committed to building a people-centred development model that is feminist and values what truly matters to society. We aim to enable the voices and agency of citizens to strengthen accountable governance. And we work for inclusive, participatory decision-making in efforts to tackle climate change, end inequality, and bring long-term sustainable change.

These broad aims are realised through three specific goals: Gender Equality & Women’s Agency, Social Accountability & Empowered Citizens, Secured Livelihoods & Resilient Communities.

Our Values

Oxfam in Vietnam is committed to the ten feminist principles. We will include gender analysis in all programming, support women’s leadership in all activities and partnerships, work with women’s rights organisations and diverse partners to benefit and learn from their ideas, contextualize feminist principles and practical tools in programming and advocacy and influencing work and create regular space for Oxfam staff to address work-life balance, and live the values. This will involve promoting a culture of openly and constructively challenging gender stereotypes and respect for diversity.  It will also involve the creation of open and safe spaces and forums for staff to exchange their views and concerns. 

As we strive to accomplish our mission, we will lead by example in demonstrating the same values that we wish to see in the people we work with and those we aim to influence.

Empowerment

Our approach means that everyone involved with Oxfam, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.

Accountability

We take full responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.

Inclusiveness

We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.    

Our Guiding Principles

Oxfam in Vietnam works for a place where benefits, costs, opportunities and risks of growth are equitably shared and where disadvantaged and marginalized groups are no longer excluded. We seek to end poverty, inequality and injustice through dialogue with government and business, through pressure where people’s voices will need to be compelling.

All Oxfam’s work is framed by our commitment to five broad rights-based aims:

The right to life and security

Conflict, natural disasters, climate change, and poverty drives millions from their homes each year. They have a right to safety, a livelihood, and essential aid. 

The right to a sustainable livelihood

We live in a world of plenty, no one need go hungry.

The right to essential services

More than half the world’s population have no access to social protection. We should all have access to healthcare and a basic safety net.

The right to be heard

Poverty and inequality diminish the voices of those in need of being heard. We want everybody to have a say in their lives, in their future.

The right to an identity

We all have a right to an identity, to exist, as citizens who can make changes, and as individuals who should be treated equally regardless of who they are.