Blog

Woman selling rice
Lisa Marie David

How can we empower women working in informal sectors?

Women are disproportionately represented in the informal workforce, with jobs ranging from domestic workers to street vendors to seasonal farmers. Investing in women in the informal workforce is not just about economic justice but also a strategic imperative for sustainable development.

Smiling school girl
VSO/Suraj Shakya.

Five female achievements you might not know about

Join us in celebrating five female achievements from VSO and beyond, that you might not have heard about...

Shirisha, community psychosocial support worker.
VSO/Ashok Bhandari, Mogul Media Pvt. Ltd.

Stories of empowerment: three Nepali women reclaiming their space

In Nepal, more than one in four women experience gender-based violence. To mark International Women's Day, we’re sharing the stories of three women from a VSO project in Nepal, who are helping to end violence against women and girls.

Volunteer talks to disabled girl and family
VSO/Suraj Shakya

5 steps to tackle ‘Othering’ for global inclusivity

One concept that holds back the journey towards inclusivity is Othering. While it is not a term often thrown around in everyday conversation, its impact on our societies can be profound and far-reaching.

Abdulahi with his award certificate and gift

Your highlights from the 2023 Volunteer Impact Awards

Outstanding performances, inspiring guest speakers and heartfelt speeches from our fantastic volunteers, the  Volunteer Impact Awards had it all! Here are your highlights from the ceremony.

Noridjah and Eleanor holding hands
VSO/Lisa Marie David

Friends forever: crossing the religious divide in the Philippines

Two women in the Philippines have forged an unlikely friendship, despite their religious differences, fostering unity in a once-divided community.

Girl with sight impairment

Learning for lasting peace: how social tension impacts education

For many of us, education is something that we often take for granted. Providing quality education and access to education for all is a tool that has proven to build a cohesive and fairer society.

Family planning workshop
VSO/Paul Wambugu

Looking back on VSO in 2023

As we move into 2024, let’s take the time to reflect on the last 12 months.

Woman with maize plant
Jeff DeKock

COP 28: A step forward for communities impacted by the climate crisis

COP 28 has been and gone – but now that the delegates have all gone home, what do the commitments made mean for the communities that VSO works with on the ground?

Nigerian youth network

Meet the 2023 VSO Volunteer Impact Award winners

On the 7 December we hosted our annual Volunteer Impact Awards, celebrating the inspirational work of VSO volunteers across the globe. We’re delighted to share with you our fantastic winners.

Kelvin Leteipa
Kelvin Leteipa

'Volunteer' - A song by Leteipa the King

Kelvin Leteipa otherwise known in the music industry as Leteipa the King is a talented afro-pop artist from Kajiado Kenya. His song 'Volunteer' was written for the 2023 VSO Volunteer Impact Awards.

Mphatso using tablet in class
Halifax Trading Malawi

The educational tablet that’s unlocking talent in Malawi

Meet 14 year old Mphatso who dropped out of school without the ability to read or write. He was sat in class with 200 other students unable to learn, so what was the point of attending school? Educational tablets are now giving Mphasto the education he deserves.