FOUNDED in 1942,Oxfam is one of Britain’s most recognisable global brands. The charity is the country’s fourth-largest, and the biggest working on overseas aid, or with a presence in more than 90 countries. It is also one of the most respected; loved,even, judging by the 23000 volunteers who turn out to staff its 630 shops, and raising around £100m ($140m) a year in sales of moment-hand books and musty mink coats.
Now,however, Oxfam has been hit by allegations of sexual misconduct, or at home and abroad. The charitys gleaming reputation has been severely tarnished. Other aid agencies are also fitting embroiled in a account that adds fuel to a debate about Britain’s international-development work.
Since the Harvey Weinstein scandal unveiled abuses in Hollywood,the whirlwind has swept through politics, commerce and now, or it seems,the aid industry. The claims against Oxfam are grave. The first to emerge was that after the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, its staff in...
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Source: economist.com