12.5.1 Advantages of networks for advocacy

There are also wider advantages that are the reasons why networks are important for effective advocacy. Coulby and Barcelo (n.d.) identify the main advantages as follows.

If groups with different experiences and perspectives work together, this enables participants to learn from each other. Building skills and knowledge together can lead to strong mutual support and solidarity.

A network helps avoid duplication of effort. Responsibilities and tasks can be shared according to the expertise and capacity of members and such sharing helps key stakeholders (e.g. donors, policy-makers and media representatives) to get to know each other better. Exposure to others in the network can lead to new opportunities for visits and training and lead to increased capacity building. Gaining valuable experience in cooperation and compromise and negotiation with members of a network can be very useful when negotiating with government agencies and service providers.

A network can enable more rounded policy proposals, based on experiences from many localities, different perspectives and critical discussions between members, to be produced. A strong, united voice reduces the risk of contradictory and mixed messages being sent to decision-makers. It also reduces the risk of any one individual being punished for speaking out.

If institutions such as NGOs and/or community-based organisations (CBOs) participate in sector discussions, there is likely to be more success in changing government policies and practices. It is also likely to result in respect and credibility from the WASH sector and potential donors. Ultimately, the benefit will be a bigger success in changing government policies and practices and increasing access to WASH services for poor communities.