As part of the Partos Shift the Power Lab 2.0, recommendations were developed that critically reflect the Dutch policy framework for Strengthening Civil Society. We focus on limitations in the current Framework to achieve more balanced power relations between the Global South and Global North. Another focus is finding new ways to work towards more equitable partnerships in the next policy framework (expected from 2025).
Policy paper: Recommendations for a more effective Dutch MOFA policy framework ‘Strengthening Civil Society’
In this policy paper, a critical reflection is presented, focusing on two questions:
- Which mechanisms are anchored in the policy that limits CSOs in the North and South in their efforts to achieve more balanced power relations?
- In which ways should the successor of this policy framework be different to create a more enabling environment for CSOs to achieve more balanced power relations?
Voices on Power
The policy paper is complemented with a separate report, comprising in-depth interviews with representatives of Global South organisations who participate in one of the 21 Power of Voices partnerships or in one of the 7 partnerships under the SRHR Partnership Fund. Power of Voices and the SRHR Partnership Fund are two substantial grant instruments under the overarching Dutch Policy Framework for Strengthening Civil Society.
The interviews in this report give a fascinating insight from a daily lived reality. The interviewees speak directly to the reader. The reader cannot talk back but has to listen. One by one, they share food for thought from their specific context on the themes selected in the policy paper. The message may not always be comfortable, but is fair and necessary.
What’s next?
Following these publications, we will collaborate with our Ministry colleagues to explore how we can integrate these recommendations into the next policy framework.