Research

Gender and Technology: A rights-based and intersectional analysis of key trends

This report employs an intersectional feminist framework to identify and analyze key trends related to gender and technology. It aims to provide a holistic picture of how gender and technology are embedded in and influenced by a myriad of intersecting issues and challenges that complicate how ICT for development (ICT4D) initiatives concretely impact women’s lives. Based on synthesized research, the report provides recommendations for relevant stakeholders on how to approach the field of international development using technology as a tool for social good in ways that benefit the most marginalized members of our global community.

Many of the report’s key findings highlight the fact that women’s lack of access to digital technologies and ICTs is a principal reason why gender inequalities persist in today’s technologically driven world. Particularly in low-and middle-income countries, many women still struggle with basic access to ICTs; for instance, they may be unable to afford ICT devices, or they may face barriers to joining online networks because of a lack of digital connectivity owing to geographic, economic, social, or political factors. This contributes to a gendered digital divide that impacts women’s potential to use ICTs and digital technologies for social, civic, and economic purposes.

This report urges stakeholders to develop gender-sensitive, context-specific, evidence-based, and accountable legal frameworks and policies that promote and formalize digital rights for all. What is most essential, however, beyond legal frameworks, is truly listening to the needs and priorities of women and marginalized communities as they relate to digital technologies. Ultimately, fostering gender equality through ICT4D must begin with the recognition that, by virtue of a shared humanity, every woman is inherently entitled to digital rights and citizenship. As such, women must be centered in all ongoing and future conversations about ICTs’ capacity for systemic and transformative change.

Funding the Frontline: How an Oxfam Emergency Response Fund facilitated local humanitarian action

From 2014 to 2020 Oxfam embedded an Emergency Response Fund (ERF) in its multiyear disaster risk reduction programs in Asia-Pacific and Central America. The Oxfam ERF was designed as a flexible funding mechanism to prioritize small-scale, under-the-radar, and forgotten emergencies and help local actors respond to and mitigate the impacts of disasters in their communities. ERF grants totaling US$1.9 million were disbursed and supported 24 small-scale responses led by 15 local organizations in nine countries. The ERF, through the support of a donor who values local leadership, helped local actors shape humanitarian responses, and the simplicity of fund administration unlocked creativity and delivered speed without compromising the quality and accountability of humanitarian aid.

Copper for Development Report

The mining sector remains the bedrock of Zambia’s economy. It contributes significantly to GDP and has been the fastest growing sector in the economy. Nevertheless, Zambia’s reliance on copper mining has often been cited as a contributing factor to its fragile economy owing to shocks in global copper prices that often have resultant effects on economic variables such as the exchange rate, inflation, and interest rates, among others. This is evidenced by economic shocks that the country has experienced in the wake of the
COVID-19 pandemic prior to which the economy faced turbulent times due to its debt servicing obligations and other considerations.

This report provides analysis of mining revenue management in Zambia and recommends several measures that might allow the country to benefit from its mineral resources.

Total Official Support for Sustainable Development (TOSSD): Game changer or mirage?

Total Official Support for Sustainable Development, or TOSSD is a new statistical metric that has been in the making for almost 10 years. It is meant to capture a broad range of global flows of public money in support of sustainable development. These include aid, loans on non-concessional terms, and public funds aimed at mobilising private finance for development.

Metrics matter. It is essential to track the resources that the international community is allocating to turn the ambitions of Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into reality. Without such data, it is impossible to determine whether there is progress.

ActionAid, AidWatch Canada and Oxfam International are publishing this discussion paper to shed light on how TOSSD works in practice as well as on its ambitions, shortcomings and the contending political perspectives on this new metric. The paper emphasizes that TOSSD could significantly shape the future of development finance.

Poll of voters on COVID-19 relief package, February 2021

Poll finds substantial majority of voters in four states want the federal government to do more to help people struggling to cope with impact of COVID-19

Voters Overwhelmingly Support a People’s Vaccine and Bold Coronavirus Relief for Working Families

As part of a January 2021 survey, Data for Progress and Oxfam America asked 1,140 likely voters nationally about their attitudes towards coronavirus relief broadly and, more specifically, how vaccines should be distributed and what should or should not be included in any additional coronavirus relief legislation.

Our results make clear that voters strongly support actions by President Biden and Congress to help people deal with and recover from the coronavirus pandemic, regardless of nationality or wealth. This would be accomplished by, in part, ensuring the coronavirus vaccine is distributed fairly and made available free of charge, requiring pharmaceutical companies giving up their monopoly control over vaccines, and enacting a transformational coronavirus recovery plan that focuses on helping working families rather than protecting profitable corporations.