Oxfam Cymru Leadership: New Chief Emphasizes Grassroots Activism

Bethan Sayed has taken over as the new head of Oxfam Cymru. In an interview with BBC Radio Cymru’s Bwrw Golwg, the former Plaid Cymru Senedd member outlined her approach to the role. She described herself as someone who is naturally challenging to governments and committed to local and international activism. For Sayed, this appointment represents a return to a core part of her identity as a campaigner.

Sayed’s path to this leadership position began in her youth. She volunteered with Oxfam during the Glastonbury Festival when she was eighteen years old. Her upbringing in the Welsh valleys deeply influenced her political and social views. She recalled that her family was always involved in global campaigns. They protested Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment against apartheid in South Africa. They also marched in the streets when events in South America captured national attention. Her parents were active members of the Cardiff Red Brigades before the group grew in size and scope.

The new chief stated that Oxfam has a history of challenging governments since its founding. The organization aims to speak for vulnerable populations who often lack a voice in both international and domestic spheres. Sayed noted that this mission aligns well with her own background. She spent years serving as a member of the Welsh Senedd, a role where she frequently confronted state authorities. She views her current position as a continuation of that work, allowing her to apply her activist instincts to a broader charity platform.

Decolonization is a central focus for the charity under Sayed’s leadership. She emphasized the importance of working with Oxfam members in various countries to shift global perspectives. The goal is to move away from the viewpoint of a white person living in Cardiff and toward the perspective of those who have experienced the effects of colonization. Sayed said that local members should have the respect and power to change how the world views colonial histories and their ongoing impacts.

Climate change remains a pressing challenge for the organization. Sayed pointed out that those least responsible for climate change often suffer the most. She advocated for connecting global events with local experiences in Wales. She cited recent mountain fires and major floods in France, Spain, and Syria as examples. She argued that these international incidents should inform local work in Wales, while also sharing Welsh examples with the rest of the world to create a two-way exchange of knowledge and action.

Sayed expressed a desire to hold future discussions with the Welsh Government. She wants to explore securing funding for Oxfam’s projects in Cardiff. This financial support would help sustain the charity’s work in regions where it operates globally. She views this collaboration as a way to strengthen the charity’s local presence while supporting its international mission.

Sayed described herself as a hopeful person who believes one individual can make a difference. She said that voters have the power to influence government actions. As a charity, Oxfam Cymru has a strong voice in these matters. She rejected the idea of passive negativity, arguing that individuals must maintain a positive stance to drive change. She concluded that every person holds power, and that collective power is essential for progress.