Geography: Global
Founded: 2004
Address:Bertha von Suttner Building
Laan van Meerdervoort 70
2517 AN The Hague
The Netherlands
Our Focus
WfWP’s common focus is on women’s social and economic development through fulfilling basic water and sanitation needs. WfWP bridges the gaps between the internationally agreed principles for sustainable development and the day-to-day practice in water management and water and sanitation service delivery. Empowerment, local ownership, equity mainstreaming, partnership, and grassroots development are the key concerns of the network.
Our Added Value
WfWP taps into the (human) resources of half of the world’s population, positioning women and their organisations as active contributors to development. Through our Dynamic Networking methodology we contribute to Integrated Water Resource Management by ensuring local ownership and tailor-made, appropriate solutions. In this way WfWP balances social requirements with policies and technical options.
Our Working Conferences
Working conferences are a key instrument where Dynamic Networking is practiced. They are mainly geared towards needs assessment and project development. Knowledge and experience about, amongst others, partnerships, appropriate technologies, micro finance, and up-scaling of successful initiatives are exchanged and put to practice. The concrete cases presented by WfWP members and other women’s groups are furthermore used to debate emerging issues and to formulate lobby points and policy statements.
WfWP organised Working Conferences in the Netherlands, Ukraine, Botswana, Suriname, Tanzania, Sri Lanka and Moldova.
Our Service to Members
WfWP has a unique, demand driven, small grant system. These grants create an enabling environment for WfWP members to take affirmative action as equal partners in the developmental process. WfWP members can apply for four different grants: Capacity Development, Communication Infrastructure, Seed Fund and Exchange Visit. WfWP also facilitates its members in making their project proposals bankable and in finding experts and donors for their projects.
Our Lobby and Advocacy
WfWP represents the Major Group Women in local, national and international lobby and advocacy. The partnership participates in key developments and meetings at UN level, and within the water sector, at international, national and local level. At international conferences WfWP adds its message to declarations and is facilitator and co-convenor for workshops and events. At World Water Forum 5, for instance, WfWP took the formal lead in organising the Women’s & Gender Coalition.
Our Strategic Partnerships
To enhance women’s participation in achieving sustainable livelihoods, WfWP has formed Strategic Partnerships with UN Water, UNESCO-IHE, WASTE, Symbeyond, the International Water Association and the European Water Partnership. WfWP works together with Aqua for All, AKVO, EUWI Coordinating Group, the World Water Council and the Netherlands Water Partnership.