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.
Holding a light to the pandemic's dark side
An immediate rise in reports of domestic violence and human trafficking since lockdowns in India has meant swift innovation in the way we protect girls and women. Early in the pandemic, the rates of gender-based violence and human trafficking shot up sharply around the world. In India, where gender-based violence was already prevalent, reports of domestic violence more than doubled in a six-month period from the start of lockdowns, according to the National Commission for Women. While lockdowns have…
Read MoreFarewell Meredith Scott from the Opportunity team
In July 2021, we farewell our Chief Executive Officer, Meredith Scott, and thank her for her immense contribution to Opportunity International Australia and families living in poverty over the past three years. Meredith Scott - a woman for others Meredith joined Opportunity in March 2018 after a long-standing career at EY. Described by staff as ‘a woman of grit, anchored in grace’ she used her decades of experience in accounting and auditing to bring new levels of accountability and governance…
Read MorePivoting in the pandemic: how small businesses are surviving
In a year that has been punishing for business owners around the world, it’s those living in poverty whose livelihoods are most affected by illness, lockdowns, travel restrictions, and forced closures. For our microfinance clients in India and Indonesia, 2021 continues to be an extraordinarily challenging year. Yet, in the face of some of the most crippling challenges of our lifetimes, stories are emerging of incredible resilience, resourcefulness, creativity and determination. Your support ensures…
Read MoreEmergency relief for India’s COVID-19 second wave
We are working to provide support in last-mile health delivery and emergency relief. The second wave of COVID-19 in India has had a horrifying impact and this, sadly, is mirrored by the stories from Opportunity’s implementing and microfinance partners. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are largely social businesses, providing access to capital and livelihoods to a predominantly low-income female client base. Through the COVID-19 crisis, it has become apparent that there is a tremendous and underutilised…
Read MoreHow digital tools are helping entrepreneurs survive
Now, more than ever, digital technologies are helping entrepreneurs across the world overcome restrictions on face-to-face business. In places such as India and Indonesia, where COVID-19 restrictions have limited or completely shut down businesses which sell directly to customers, we’ve seen how effective digital tools can be. Whether turning from storefront to online sales, or promoting services or sales via WhatsApp, or taking orders for contactless delivery, many are keeping their businesses…
Read MoreCEO Announcement from Opportunity
Opportunity International Australia is delighted to announce that Scott Walters has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer, with effect from 5 July 2021. Scott was most recently the Chief Fundraising Officer for Bible Society Australia, a role he held for the past seven years. Previously, he was Head of Strategic Partnerships for The Smith Family. With an extensive background in financial planning, stockbroking and marketing before his move to the for-purpose sector, Scott brings the depth of…
Read MoreConnecting our work to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a broad set of ambitious shared aspirations set out by the United Nations to achieve a better, more sustainable future for us all. The diagram below maps each of Opportunity’s core programs to the relevant goals, demonstrating how our program outcomes directly and indirectly contribute to the SDGs.To use the interactive map below, tap on the area of focus to show the links between Opportunity's programs and the SDGs, or tap on the individual SDGs to…
Read MoreHow Indonesian communities are innovating during COVID-19
For Opportunity’s clients in Indonesia, some of the world’s poorest, every day is about thriving in adversity. However, the spread of COVID-19, lockdowns, and other hardships have really highlighted the need for strong financial tools to help those affected increase resilience and provide pathways to recover and prosper. With our network of Indonesian partners and programs on the ground, we’ve worked together to help families respond and rebuild after a challenging year – from providing small…
Read MoreWATCH: COVID-19 Field Briefing
As India grapples with a devastating second wave of COVID-19, and many countries around the world continue to fight the pandemic, Opportunity International Australia provided an COVID-19 field briefing from our Program Directors with the latest insights from our implementing partners. On May 20, webinar attendees heard firsthand about the latest developments in India and Indonesia, including the devastating impacts of COVID-19, the recent natural disasters in Indonesia and how Opportunity is supporting…
Read MoreMeeting Challenge with Courage: Our 2020 Annual Review
None of us will forget 2020 in a hurry. For many of the world’s seven billion people, the lingering impression of last year is one of devastation – a global pandemic, and the resulting economic fallout from reduced activity and lockdowns. But there is another story to tell. One of grace under pressure, courage under the most extreme of circumstances and resilience in the face of almost overwhelming odds. Opportunity’s 2020 Annual Review digs deep beneath the surface. We find out how our local…
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