Recommended actions to support localization in WASH Coordination
Participation and Representation
All actions should be undertaken in the spirit of the principles of partnership to create an enabling environment for Local and National Agencies (L/NAs), keeping in mind that power imbalances and unconscious bias may influence the setup of coordination structures. This includes forming alliances with local organizations and that international organizations have the appropriate resources to work with local coordination structures.
To support meaningful engagement, it is important to consult with L/NAs to clarify existing coordination structures and always take existing national and local approaches and structures into account.
International actors must recognize that many organizations are fully equipped to participate in international coordination mechanisms and should only offer capacity support when/where it is requested.
Leadership
L/NAs should have equitable opportunities to interact with international actors and among their own peers. Ensuring the presence and meaningful participation of local WLOs and WROs in NHWCP will be important for sustaining women’s leadership over time. Humanitarian leadership should be inclusive, representative, gender-balanced, accountable and supportive of the entire humanitarian community.
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