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The Oxford Givers’ Circle is a network of friends who quietly and consistently support the work of the charity WOMANKIND Worldwide by giving money annually and by telling friends and neighbours about the charity’s work.
WOMANKIND Worldwide funds and works with local organisations in developing communities, skilling and empowering women in order to improve their life chances and the life chances of their families. I first learned of the charity 17 years ago, thanks to an article in The Guardian. I was very moved by the article, and wanted to help. So, my friend Mary and I arranged to visit the charity’s offices to find out what we could do to support them.
My experience in working with voluntary and community groups in this country has taught me that short-term or one-off funding does not make for long-term sustainability. By making a longer-term commitment we can provide a dependable source of ongoing funding.
We chose to support Womankind Worldwide’s work with The Irula Tribal Women’s Welfare Society, a partner organisation in South India that works with and for tribal women in Tamil Nadu. The initial project we chose was The Hill Tribe Women's Association Livestock Project. This has developed and expanded over the years into a cluster of projects, all aimed at giving women the literacy, numeracy and confidence they need to engage in decision-making in their communities, to petition the authorities for improved facilities for their villages (such as electricity, roads, lavatories and drinking water), to address domestic violence in their communities, and to earn an income to support their families.
In 1992 we approached 15 friends and asked if they would like to join the Oxford Givers’ Circle and to commit to giving a modest sum for a minimum of three years. In 1995 we reviewed and renewed our initial commitment; more women joined the Circle; and most members increased the amount they gave.
We meet annually in one of our homes, for a simple curry lunch and an update on the projects. WOMANKIND Worldwide provides us with materials or a speaker. We have gained a great deal from our involvement with this charity, and have seen the difference that our modest donations have made. We have learned about the lives, hardships and successes of other ordinary women who are less fortunate than ourselves.
The Oxford Givers’ Circle has now been in existence for 16 years, and is set to continue.
Anne James is founder of the Oxford Givers’ Circle. She works in the UK in the fields of social care and community development. She can be contacted at anne@riverbank38.freeserve.co.uk.
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