Are international charities addressing the root causes of systemic issues? Or merely addressing symptoms?

And, if a charity is truly succeeding… then shouldn't the charity eventually become redundant?

These provocative questions lie at the heart of Weh Yeoh’s book “Redundant Charities”. Weh Yeoh is our latest guest on Philanthropod: a five-time founder (including OIC Cambodia and Umbo), a physiotherapist, lecturer in leadership, writer and advocate for re-conceputalising the international charity sector.

Drawing on years of experience working for international charities, Weh argues that many international charities are not addressing the root causes of complex issues but are instead treating the symptoms. In turn, this “charity hamster wheel” of funding, grants and growth distracts from the charity’s core mission. Weh argues it is high-time that international charities start actively thinking of themselves as temporary, and embedding strategies to make themselves redundant into their own operations.

In this fascinating conversation with host Anubha Rawat, Weh explores:

• Why and how charities can make themselves redundant.
• Contexts where this approach may or may not work.
• How his theory intersects with other relevant concepts in international development such as localisation.

A standout moment in the discussion is Weh's advice to fellow founders: embrace the challenge of letting go of ego and making your role redundant. He reminds us that being a founder is just one facet of who you are—not the whole story. Weh also shares his thoughts on Australia’s nonprofit landscape compared to the international sector, offering fresh perspectives for changemakers everywhere.

To learn more about Weh and his various roles visit his website here: https://www.wehyeoh.com/

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