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Read all about what we're doing today, success stories from around the world and how we can all make a difference.
ActionAid
ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty.Their dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. They are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.
ActionAid’s human rights-based approach aims to ensure that people are drivers of their own change and able to claim the rights they are entitled to. They focus on women and girls because the denial of their rights is a grave injustice and one of the underlying causes of poverty worldwide. By working directly with communities, women’s movements, groups and networks, social movements and other allies, ActionAid aim to tackle the structural causes and consequences of poverty and injustice.
ActionAid also fights for a fairer world by galvanising the public to challenge the national and global policies and practices that keep people poor. This includes holding governments accountable to ensure public funds are spent effectively and where they are needed the most.
ActionAid Bangladesh
The ActionAid Bangladesh project sought to empower factory workers and members of the public to speak out against poor working conditions within the garment and leather industry. It aimed to highlight that hazardous conditions are not acceptable, workers’ rights are for all regardless of gender or age and that exploitation and sexual harassment are illegal. It sought to train and grow civil society organisations so that they can unite against poor working conditions.
The project spanned 4 years and we are happy to share the Full Closing Project Report.
Over 27,000 workers benefitted from the project and saw an increase of 31% for overall awareness of workers’ rights. Women are better represented and 73% of trade unions now have women in their executive committees. Going forward over 1,500 leaders have been trained in how to provide ongoing support for workers and over 550 women leaders will continue running the workers cafes. At the time of the project close there were 1,033 leaders taking collective bargaining action to improve labour conditions and workers’ rights.
ActionAid Zimbabwe
This four-year project is taking place in 20 districts in Mashonaland, Manicaland and Matebeleland North and South provinces – 12 districts under the goat value chain and eight under the pork value chain. ActionAid is the leading member of a consortium implementing this project and we are working closely with government livestock ministries, private companies and organisations working within value chains in the livestock industry.
We are looking for volunteers who will be able to offer their own knowledge and skills that are applicable to the industry or country.
ActionAid: One in four people in Zimbabwe now relies on international aid for food.
A key challenge in the agricultural sector involves issues within the supply chain.
Zimbabwe’s small livestock value chains are the least developed, most fragmented and under-performing in terms of contributions to agricultural Gross Domestic Product. Despite growing consumer demand for meat within the country, there are persistent shortages of pork and goat meat. Zimbabwean livestock farmers struggle to access markets, develop sustainable value chains, utilise local produce and establish structures to build networks and empower local communities.
ActionAid's impact:
Best practice in procurement and supply
This four year project will transform Zimbabwe’s livestock and meat industry by improving its business structure, market conduct and socio-economic performance. By empowering farmers to penetrate the market, develop strong sustainable supply chains and improve procurement practices future generations can rely upon a continued, quality source of food.
Research and scoping studies
Strengths and weaknesses within the supply chain. Measure and assess production efficiencies. Share best practice and knowledge.
Training and development
Cascade training to develop networks. Improve market competitiveness. Develop marketing and retail strategy.
Improve access to support services
Financial accessibility and sustainability models. Local produce sourcing and utilisation of local services and value chains.
Project results so far
Despite challenges impacting project implementation including the global outbreak of Covid-19 and the unstable economic environment in Zimbabwe, the project has had a significant impact since beginning in 2019 and we are pleased to share some recent updates and highlights with you in this report.
Despite the impacts of Covid-19 and other challenges contributing to an uncertain operating environment, the project has made significant progress since beginning in 2019. Thanks to the CIPS Foundation and the European Commission, ActionAid are transforming Zimbabwe’s livestock and meat industry value chains and contributing to the development of an inclusive and diversified agricultural sector. For further details about the project please read the ActionAid Zimbabwe Year Two Report.
Hear from our students
The Foundation continues to support studying students from around the world. The recipients are studying at all levels and working towards a career within the profession. Some of the responses we have had:
"Thank you CIPS Foundation for changing the course of my life and my families."
"My CIPS qualification will help me change the face of procurement profession in Kenya as an MCIPS, which is the most coveted membership in the world"
"I will use it to inspire other needy students in Kenya and Africa and to give them hope that nothing is impossible for a willing heart and mind. I will offer my professional duties in a diligent ethical and professional manner that befits the CIPS standards.”
Thank you for supporting my education, so that I can build the skills and qualifications I need to pursue a rewarding career.”
Registered Charity: The CIPS Foundation is registered with the UK Charity Commission as a linked charity of CIPS, with the charity number 1017938-1. The Foundation Committee ensures that the Foundation delivers against its agreed strategy and charitable objectives.