ActionAid

ActionAid is a global federation working for a world free from poverty and injustice.

Their strategy is to build international momentum for social, economic and environmental justice, driven by people living in poverty and exclusion.

In practice, this means working closely with people living in poverty and exclusion, civil society organisations, social movements and supporters. Together, they deliver grassroots programmes, provide emergency relief and campaign for things such as women’s economic rights, tax justice and climate justice.

Their work falls into four broad areas: women, politics and economics, land and climate, and emergencies. They have a particular focus on women’s rights; it’s a thread that runs through all our work.

ActionAid was founded as a charity in the UK in 1972, and soon grew its presence in countries around the world. In the 1990s, they adopted their human rights-based approach to development. ActionAid International was formed in 2003 to provide the global secretariat for the ActionAid federation of country offices. The Constitution of ActionAid International can be accessed here. Their head office is in Johannesburg, South Africa, and we also have hubs in Asia, Europe and the Americas. 

This is their international website, where they share inspiring stories from around the federation, bold thought-leadership and practical tools that catalyse change. You can visit any of their websites to find out more about the work of ActionAid offices around the world, and how you can get involved. They also have a Global Leadership Team, comprising some staff from ActionAid International, and a number of country directors from around the world. 

They believe in the power in people. If we can support people to know, claim and defend their rights, the world will be a fairer place.