On its first face-to-face meeting on 5 to 9 February 2024, the WE-Care Program Management Unit (PMU), together with key representatives from Oxfam affiliates and the Oxfam in Africa leadership, met in Bangkok, Thailand, to improve collaboration, allow for an in-depth assessment of Phase 5’s progress, and start the development of the Phase 5.2 proposal. The meeting, which was instrumental for the PMU to gain an understanding on the transition plan of the program to Oxfam in Africa, provided PMU members with an opportunity to reflect, reassess their current responsibilities and objectives, evaluate overall advancements, and collaboratively brainstorm ways to refine their ways of working, guided by the feminist principles.

Some of the key achievements included the following: country monitoring visits; development of the program governance structure and steering committee; connecting partners to influence spaces such as the Pre-COP, GIMAC, World Social Forum, and CSW; program capacity development training; development of WE-Care communications strategy; campaigns during International Day of Care and Support, 16 Days of Activism; and Valentine’s Day; global childcare policy engagement; and participation in the UNGA, among many others.

The PMU also took notes of the action points, including the development of a funding strategy and a more efficient learning architecture, conduct of research informed by partners’ experiences, and the need to popularize the WEE agenda and expand our reach cross regionally. For more information about the meeting, write to Charity Namara.