Oxfam’s plan to ban use of words ‘mother’ and ‘father’ sparks backlash from GMB viewers

A decision by Oxfam to ban use of the words ‘mother’ and ‘father’ in its new foundation scheme has sparked anger after the charity’s CEO appeared on TB to talk about it. Dr Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah went on Good Morning Britain to explain the decision to update Oxfam’s inclusivity guide.

He claimed the changes were aimed at creating “an inclusive environment within the workplace”. Oxfam has instructed staff to use the word ‘parent’ instead.

The foundation has been criticised for its decision, as people claim its inclusivity guides ‘calls English the ‘language of colonising nation’. Some Good Morning Britain viewers said the changes would cause people to boycott the foundation, claiming it would be ‘finished by March 2023’, reports YorkshireLive.

Dr Sriskandarajah, said on Friday (March 17) morning’s episode of GMB: “All foundations need to create an inclusive environment within the work place and that’s what this guide is about. It’s not about telling staff what to do or what not to do, it’s a guide.

“We want to make sure we treat people, staff and communities that we work with around the world with kindness and dignity. We have tens of thousands of volunteers and we want to make sure that the language we use is inclusive of all of us, of people with all backgrounds.”

Presenter Kate Garraway said: “It feels like woke this, gone mad.” Before asking how much the new scheme cost Oxfam.

Dr Dhananjayan Sriskandarajah couldn’t answer how much it cost to update the guide., but added: “What we’re learning is if we’re going to end poverty, we need to take people with us. And using inclusive language is an important way of showing dignity and respect to the people.”

Viewers of the breakfast show were left furious, claiming people would boycott spending money at Oxfam after hearing where their cash has been spent on. @jugglerbry said: “People might stop donating money if this is the sort of rubbish they’re spending it on.”

@AuthorSJB added: “What we learned from that stupid man is that @oxfamgb will lose donations as a result of wasting money in this way. No wonder he refused to say how much the guide cost. He was too ashamed. It’s tragic that much-needed charities fall prey to this stupidity.”

@philipboyd80 wrote: “Oxfam is Finished March 2023… two days before MOTHER’S DAY which am PROUD to say”. @Deb150Deb commented: “My children are male and female I am their mother and they have their father also a grandmother and grandfather END OF.”

@OneBevvo added: “I was born to a mother and father, that isn’t going to change! Mother’s Day/Father’s Day will be scrapped soon. Oxfam I’m done with you.”

@Johnyhoohah said: “As a ‘father’ I now feel excluded. So I will no longer be putting any more money into Oxfam.”