Since the 2000s and the start of its work in West Africa, Equipop has sought to build partnerships with
local civil society. In 2013, recognizing that effectively participating in strengthening local actors and supporting their collective action required a specific approach and resources, it initiated, alongside long-standing associative partners, the creation of a network, Alliance Droits et Santé (Alliance for Rights and Health), while developing a support offering tailored to the needs of its members. Five years later, we look back on what has been achieved and present the outlook for the future.
A long road has been traveled since Equipop and three of its long-standing partners decided in April 2013 to unite and strengthen West African associations working on behalf of women and girls. At least, that was the consensus at the annual meeting of Alliance Droits et Santé (Alliance for Rights and Health) in February 2018 in Ouagadougou. The 21 associations, representing six countries in the region, highlighted the achievements of this collective effort:
- $4,800,000 raised with the support of Equipop and managed independently by the associations,
- A commitment by each association to develop its capacities through concrete actions (reviewing governance methods, consolidating financial management, implementing a human resources policy, etc.).
- A multi-channel campaign promoting access to contraception for women, young people, and couples who want it, supported by a network of around 100 champions.
- Concrete political progress on key issues such as task delegation, youth access to SRHR (sexual and reproductive health and rights), and the involvement of decentralized authorities.
- Not to mention building a shared culture and developing collaboration skills, because leading projects with others cannot be improvised.
Many achievements, but also challenges to be overcome
Although the results are very positive, the capacity for action of local associations remains limited by certain barriers.
Firstly, access to funding: financial instruments are often rigid and ill-suited to collective projects. These projects require prior consultation, but also access to and use of existing knowledge in the field. Furthermore, they must be long-term, as social change cannot be achieved in a matter of months. Finally, understanding the impact of political and social mobilization projects requires going beyond traditional monitoring and evaluation frameworks. All of these things are made difficult by the format of many calls for projects.
Second barrier: relatively weak organizational capacities. To be innovative and effective, associations must be able to devote resources to their operations and development, which is a real challenge given the economic model of most local actors.
Third barrier: the need to consolidate a regional voice. West African associations promoting women's health and rights have so far been unable to develop a regional advocacy approach due to a lack of forums for consultation.
A new step in supporting local associations
Building on its achievements while adapting to the challenges outlined, Equipop will continue its commitment to local associations through a new program.
Firstly, two funds will be made available to associations. An innovation fund will finance collective projects while providing support, in particular by providing associations with methodologies, knowledge, and collaborative spaces (see the Equipop Lab presented in the following article). The organizational development fund will secure resources to enable associations to consolidate their organization according to their specific needs. They will also be able to receive support in implementing this consolidation from Equipop, which has developed appropriate tools in recent years.
Finally, speaking with one voice to regional decision-makers will be a third area of support.
Equipop's support for CSOs
