Working together: A study of civil society partnerships between WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) and GESI (gender equality and social inclusion) organisations in Timor-Leste

Abstract

This article reports on an empirical study conducted in Timor-Leste that explored the drivers, benefits, and challenges of partnerships and collaborations between water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) organisations as integral parts of the WASH system. The research design was primarily qualitative and included a data-collection workshop with 30 representatives from 16 civil society organisations (CSOs) in Dili, longitudinal research involving two rounds of semi-structured interviews over 2.5 years with five organisations, and semi-structured interviews with an additional 18 CSOs. We applied a framework of post-development theory, including critical localism and working contingently. Key drivers to form partnerships were found to be the identification of community WASH service gaps and the alignment of advocacy agendas. Key benefits reported were increased inclusion and empowerment outcomes and strengthened organisational knowledge and capacity. Challenges emerge when organisations' key staff change, strategies misalign, and financial and administrative capabilities differ. The study contributes practical insights into how civil society organisations (CSOs) partner to strengthen mutual WASH and GESI strategies and programmes and their outcomes. We recommend strengthening the partnerships between WASH and GESI organisations in ways that are cognisant of power dynamics, local priorities, and capacity needs and promote longevity and continuity through ownership of decisions at the local level. Our findings suggest that meaningful, reciprocal, and respectful engagement with WASH and GESI organisations enables WASH programmes to be in a better position to address the harmful norms that drive inequitable behaviours, thus strengthening localism, and the WASH governance system overall.

Locally Led Opportunities for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Climate Change and Gender Equality Partnerships in the Blue Pacific

“…The literature on partnerships between WASH organisations and other types of organisations in the Blue Pacific region is scant, with most studies related to WASH and gender equality and inclusion partnerships in Timor-Leste [6,7] (which is included in this study as being part of the Blue Pacific region, see Appendix A). The study from Timor-Leste found that fourteen distinct benefits of WASH and gender equality and social inclusion partnerships were identified by research participants, relating to three main areas: (1) increasing participation and inclusion of women in WASH programs and related decisions; (2) mutual learning and capacity building, advocacy opportunities and connections with government; and (3) shifts in gender norms (changing perceptions of roles and responsibilities related to WASH).…”

“…(1) organisational and operational barriers that prevented realisation of outcomes, especially when staff changed (2) weak links in the WASH system due to siloing and (3) power dynamics and challenges to organisational and interpersonal relationships [7].…”

“…Critical localism can be summarised as a form of locally led development which has a focus on inclusion and addresses power dynamics within society to avoid elite capture and/or perpetuating inequalities for people and communities. [7,32] Critical localism in the Pacific is an alternative to colonial development models. Localism has developed in response to top-down and Northern-led development priorities, processes and modalities and requires a change in policy and practice.…”

“…This article focusses on partnerships between WASH civil society organisations (CSOs), climate change action and development organisations, and women's and genderequality organisations as key actors in the WASH ecosystem. Drivers of such partnerships include strengthening mutual gender equality and inclusion goals, changing social norms in society towards greater equality and access to essential services, and enhancing advocacy efforts together [6][7][8][9].…”

“…This study is the first of its kind to draw together and analyse research related to partnerships within and across these three distinct but interrelated sub-sectors of civil society. Studies have been conducted on women's coalitions and partnerships in the Blue Pacific [36,37], youth leadership and coalitions [38,39], WASH and GEDSI partnerships [6][7][8] and climate change NGO coalitions and partnerships [40,41]. Further relevant studies have been conducted on cross-sector partnerships [42], WASH and RHO partnerships [6,9] and leadership in the Blue Pacific [32].…”