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Sydney South NSW 1235, Level 11, 227 Elizabeth Street Sydney NSW 2000

Telephone: 1800 812 164

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News & Stories Blog

World news on the fight to alleviate poverty – follow innovations in microfinance, technology and community development that are changing lives in developing countries.

You can change perceptions by doing the unexpected

by Marie Kelly-Davies

I heard Michael Kasprowicz, a former fast bowler for the Australian Cricket Team and Opportunity International Australia Council member, speaking this week at a lunch about perceptions and how you can change them by doing the unexpected. He was so inspiring! We all know that your image and the way you are perceived by others influences their behaviour towards you. But how do you shift someone’s perception of you towards your reality? Michael says that making a small change can shift others' perception…

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Breaking the cycle of poverty - one small loan at a time

by Marie Kelly-Davies

People often ask me: “What is poverty?” Is the face of poverty the 767 million people around the world who live on less than US$1.90 a day? Or is it much more than a low income? Poverty means you have limited access to your basic needs, such as nutritious food, clean water, healthcare and education. You are also more likely to experience hunger and poor sanitation and develop preventable illnesses, diminishing your capacity to work. As this cycle repeats itself, it is clear to see why families…

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Empowering women in Asia to be businesswomen and health leaders

by Robert Dunn

Seema Bharti is easily one of the most impressive women you’ll ever meet. Seema is one of the women Opportunity International Australia supporters helped to set up a business with a small loan and receive training as a health leader. Many families in Seema’s village in India live below the poverty line and preventable diseases are a major problem. As with many communities near the River Ganges, the groundwater is contaminated with arsenic, which slowly poisons people. Typhoid and tuberculosis…

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Our choices can have a powerful impact on the lives of others

by Hon Kristina Keneally

Last week the federal budget froze foreign aid funding, prompting a debate in some circles about what kind of society we are when we limit our support to some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Others point out that foreign aid is an important tool in combatting terrorism and supporting peace and democracy abroad. The world is a scary place these days. Inequality is increasing, even as more people are being lifted out of poverty. Upheaval is evident in the results of Brexit and the 2016 American…

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Mother's Day

by Dani Stapleton

Growing up, Mother’s Day usually consisted of making my mum breakfast in bed and proudly presenting her with some animal creation made out of clay or Paddlepop sticks that bared a striking resemblance to some sort of natural disaster. My mum would always smile, hug and thank me as she knew that amongst these small acts, was a loving appreciation for everything she had done for me. As I have become older, not only have my gift choices for Mum changed, but also my understanding of what this day means.…

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Empowering Women in Developing Countries to be Businesswomen

by Joanna White

The United Nations recently noted that, globally, women account for 2/3 of all working hours, yet despite this they take home only 10 per cent of all global income. This doesn’t surprise me at all. And it’s particularly relevant in developing countries. In many developing countries women’s work is undervalued and many women don’t have opportunities to work outside of the home because of a lack of formal education and cultural and social norms. That’s why I love the work Opportunity International…

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Ripples and Waves: 4 Steps to Becoming an Agent of Change

by Rabia Siddique

Over the years, I’ve developed personal insight and self-awareness as I’ve struggled through the many challenges that have crossed my path. I’ve found my voice. Although it is difficult, we must all be prepared to confront the realities in our lives and the world around us because unless we do so we can’t address and overcome aspects of our lives that don’t serve us well. We must also be prepared to challenge and change our narrative about ourselves, others and our place in the community…

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Empowering Women in Developing Countries to Navigate Gender Inequality

by Karen Kandur

Returning to full-time work following the birth of my daughter has reinforced for me the similarities between Australian mothers and mothers in developing countries - our common aspiration to give our children the best possible future but equally the challenges of being a working mum. While the issues may play out differently in Australia and in developing countries because of economic, social and cultural differences, they are still the same – lack of gender equality and juggling family and work…

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The Gift of Holding (the) Space

by Kirstin Bouse

Can you recall a time when you shared your excitement about the new ‘love of your life’ with your best friend and they listened completely and intently? Mirroring without conscious thought, your dizzy excitement and hope. Can you remember a time when you sat with a friend who was in deep distress, crying a river of tears as they grieved the loss of someone close to them? And as they sobbed and rambled you were ‘in the moment’. And you just sat with them without expectation or distraction?…

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4 Steps to Achieving Your Dreams

by Suzzanne Laidlaw

\"Words can inspire, thoughts can provoke, but only action truly brings you closer to your dreams.\" Brad Sugars, Founder of ActionCOACH While we can talk about our dreams endlessly, only the simple act of doing will bring us closer to achieving them. With a razor-sharp vision, a strong plan and the motivation to take charge of our time, taking small steps will help us to realise our dreams. But how can we gain the clarity and focus needed to break down big dreams into small actions? One approach…

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