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

Telephone: 1800 812 164

© 2026 Opportunity International AustraliaABN 83 003 805 043

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.

How health knowledge is keeping Ferdousi's family informed

by Opportunity International Australia

In Bangladesh, limited health education, particularly among women, poses significant challenges to public health — but community Health Leaders like Ferdousi can help turn things around. Recent studies show that 66% of women encounter at least one barrier when accessing healthcare services in Bangladesh. These obstacles include financial constraints (43%), distance to health facilities (40%), and lack of companionship (45%). Notably, only 12% of women have sole decision-making autonomy regarding…

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Increase in profit for smallholder farmers like Anita

by Opportunity International Australia

In Indonesia, women constitute approximately 40% of smallholder farmers, playing crucial roles in agriculture. Despite their contributions, women often face challenges such as limited access to land, capital, and resources, affecting their ability to achieve financial independence. Microfinance has emerged as an effective pathway to empower women, providing them with the necessary capital to enhance their agricultural practices and secure sustainable livelihoods. Our local partners in Indonesia…

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How Manjuben is creating jobs for women in her community

by Opportunity International Australia

With access to capital, Manjuben turned a passion for sewing into a small business, making pillowcases and beautiful clothing for Diwali. She now hires six women in her community, helping her sew more and expand her business — showing the power of microfinance to provide opportunities for not just one woman, but whole communities. Manjuben lives in Varanasi, India, and first took out a loan from one of Opportunity’s local partners over five years ago to purchase a sewing machine. She receives…

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Linking health and gender-based violence prevention

by Opportunity International Australia

Opportunity International Australia is integrating gender-based violence prevention alongside health initiatives in partnership with one of our local partners in India. In addition to providing community health education and facilitating access to health services, female Health Leaders are raising awareness about gender­-based violence and supporting survivors through established pathways. The additional content covers topics such as power and control, negotiation, communication, problem­ solving,…

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Opportunity farewells Simon Lynch, Indonesia Director

by Opportunity International Australia

After 29 years working at Opportunity International Australia, our Indonesia Director Simon Lynch said goodbye to Opportunity in December 2024. Simon was an integral part of Opportunity's expansion and growth in Asia, first working alongside founder David Bussau in the 1990s to work with our local partners and programs globally. He served as the Asia Regional Director for the Opportunity Global Network, the founder and CEO of Opportunity Timor-Leste, and the first Community Development Director,…

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Ika's ticket of opportunity

by Opportunity International Australia

For lka, a 25-year-old mother of two from rural Indonesia, her ticket of opportunity came when she received a small loan from Opportunity International Australia's local microfinance partner. lka s married at a young age and moved out of her rural village to live with her husband and his family. She didn't complete her schooling and worked very hard as a farmhand, not earning much money. She decided to start her own small business selling vegetables, but she realised that vegetable sales alone wouldn't…

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Enhancing education in Pakistan

by Opportunity International Australia

Pakistan faces some of the world's most pressing educational challenges. With nearly 23 million children aged 5 to 16 out of school - 44 per cent of the total population in this age group - the need for a transformation in education is clear. Barriers to education in Pakistan, particularly for girls, are significant, ranging from poverty and cultural norms to a lack of infrastructure and qualified teachers. This has created an urgent need for innovative solutions to provide quality education…

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Disability is no barrier for Hafzarun

by Opportunity International Australia

Living in a village in northern Bangladesh, Hafzarun works as a Health Leader, delivering health education to improve the health and wellbeing of local families, as part of Opportunity's global health program. Born with a visual impairment due to a damaged right eye, along with permanent burn damage to her hand, Hafzarun has never allowed her disability to limit her passion for learning or her determination to help others in her community. Hafzarun began working with Opportunity International Australia's…

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Welmince weaving her way to success

by Opportunity International Australia

Mother of five, Welmince, from Soe in West Timor, Indonesia, has built a successful weaving business with the help of a small loan. She first started with a loan of A$200 from one of Opportunity International Australia's local microfinance partners to buy materials and increase her productivity. Year by year, her business grew, and she received additional loans. These increased loans have had a significant impact on Welmince's business and brought a brighter future for her whole family. \"In the…

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Trekking on the India and Nepal border to end poverty

by Opportunity International Australia

Three days trekking in the Himalayas. Two days in Varanasi meeting inspiring women building businesses to improve their livelihoods. Seven unforgettable days in India. For the second year in a row, the Trek for Opportunity in 2024 was a success with five passionate Opportunity International Australia supporters travelling to India for a life-changing experience, all while raising much-needed funds for families living in poverty.  An adventure and fundraising challenge, all in one The Trek for Opportunity…

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