Civil Society Organisations and Development: Reflections from Water for Women

Blue graphic featuring the cover image which shows a Local Resource Person in Dailekh, Nepal, facilitating safe drinking water training with a small group of men and women

This brief summarises the findings of a study that explored the role that civil society organisations (CSOs) play in development, with a focus on the climate-resilient inclusive water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and water security sector. In particular:

• What strengths CSOs bring to climate-resilient inclusive WASH systems and service delivery

• How CSOs are most effectively and efficiently engaged in the climate-resilient inclusive WASH/water security sector.

Drawing on experiences from Water for Women (2018–2025), the study highlighted how CSOs add unique value through long-term community engagement, advocacy, inclusive development practices, and innovation. As climate resilience becomes increasingly urgent, CSOs can continue to play a significant role, supporting access to relevant data, tools, and funding.

A thumbnail of this publication featuring a photo of a Local Resource Person in Nepal facilitating training on safe drinking water practices with a small group of men and women

Who is it for?

This brief is intended to support development sector actors and funders to better understand and consider the value and contribution of CSO partnerships to development program outcomes and broader sustainable development goals.

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Citation: Water for Women. (2025). Learning brief: Civil Society Organisations and Development: Reflections from Water for Women on the Role of CSOs in Community Development. https://www.waterforwomenfund.org/en/news/civil-society-organisations-and-development-reflections-from-water-for-women.aspx

This brief was authored by Naomi Francis of FHDesigns for the Water for Women Fund and reviewed by Paul Tyndall Briscoe and Alison Baker. We thank all Water for Women partners and teams whose work generated the insights and lessons shared within this learning brief.