A graduate in development studies, Asisah joined Oxfam in April 2013 after working several years with an Oxfam partner, a local NGO. Asisah went through Oxfam's successful change process in 2015. Her role changed from Policy Advocacy and Campaign Coordinator to Land Governance Coordinator in March 2018. "LAND is not only LIFE but culture, identity and human sacredness," said Asisah.

Engaging With the Most Successful Global Campaign

Asisah only knew Oxfam as a donor organization. After stepping into Oxfam, she got involved with Oxfam's most successful global campaign called Behind the Brands, where she got to work with different country teams across the globe. She was trained to be an influencing strategy developer, which enables her to help Oxfam's teams and partner organizations to develop and deliver effective influencing outcomes and results.

Inspired by Women Land Rights Defenders

Through her role at Oxfam, Asisah met with woman leaders from different groups including indigenous people at the community level. She was inspired by their leadership, braveness and tireless work for their communities to support each other in claiming and defending their rights to land and natural resources on which their families and communities depend on for their livelihood.

One of the women she met said, "I have to get drinking water for my family members, collect firewood, fetch food in the forest, cook and take care of the kids and the rest of the family. On top of that, I farm just as the men do."

"These are daily tasks carried out by women with no pay. They are less recognized by men and society. We have so much to learn from these women and I would like to capture their stories in more detail to share and inspire other women around the globe to continue fighting for what she has to fight for," concluded Asisah.

I thank Oxfam for supporting these brave woman leaders across the globe, help them tell their wonderful stories and encourage other women to stand for social equity.