Voice is an innovative grant facility to support rightsholders and groups facing marginalisation or discrimination in their efforts to exert influence in accessing productive and social services and political participation. Voice operates in a context where civic space and power is shifting at a fast pace, and often closing rather than opening. Where the narrative is negative and underlining marginalisation and vulnerability, rather than the dreams and successful steps made towards a better, more inclusive world.  Voice is implemented in ten countries in Africa and Asia.

Voice is an initiative of and financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands as part of their overall policy framework ‘Dialogue and Dissent’ (future Power of Voices) and is executed by a consortium between Oxfam Novib and Hivos. Hivos is the coordinated body in four countries: Indonesia, Philippines, Kenya and Tanzania , while Oxfam coordinates Voice in six: Laos, Cambodia, Uganda, Niger, Mali and Nigeria.

About Hivos

Hivos is an international organisation that seeks new solutions to persistent global issues. With smart projects in the right places, they oppose discrimination, inequality, abuse of power and the unsustainable use of the planet’s resources. Counterbalance alone, however, is not enough. Hivos’ primary focus is achieving structural change. This is why Hivos cooperates with innovative businesses, citizens and their organisations. Hivos shares a dream with them of sustainable economies and inclusive societies. More about Hivos

About Oxfam Novib

Oxfam Novib is part of a global confederation of people working together to end the injustice of poverty for everyone. They help people build better lives for themselves, and when disasters strike they save and rebuild lives. Together they take on the big issues that keep people poor, such as inequality, discrimination against women, climate change, and the eviction of people from their land. And they won’t stop until every person on the planet can enjoy life free from poverty. Their vision is a just world without poverty. More about Oxfam Novib.

Roles Oxfam and Hivos

Hivos and Oxfam Novib have formed a consortium to implement Voice, combining the strengths of both organisations:

• • Oxfam Novib and Hivos together manage over 1,500 grants a year, including capacity strengthening, innovation and investment grants.

• • Oxfam Novib and Hivos are experienced in transformative leadership development and linking and learning.

• • Hivos has a strong track record on innovation, technology and creativity (arts and culture) and specific expertise in the field of LGBTI and children. Hivos has a great network of progressive frontrunners, role models and change agents.

• • Oxfam Novib has a long history in undertaking lobby and advocacy work. Oxfam Novib is specialised in strengthening influencing capacities of local civil society actors.

By clicking on the various elements on the sidebar you can read more about the set-up of the various bodies within Voice, such as the Advisory Board, Coordination Team, Country Teams and Steering Committee.