Warm welcome for ‘new sister’ within the WaterAid family
Few years in Simavi’s history have been as significant as 2025. We didn’t just celebrate our 100-year anniversary; we also took an important strategic step: joining the WaterAid Federation. WaterAid Netherlands directors Dieneke van der Wijk and Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat look back on the journey that led to this decision.
The idea of joining an international alliance did not emerge overnight. For years, Simavi had been reflecting on how to make its work reach even further. ‘In Simavi’s history we have always asked ourselves how we could increase our impact. And whether joining an alliance would be a good step’, says Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat.
In recent years, global developments have made that question even more pressing. ‘With everything that was happening – the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis – it became increasingly clear that we had to look again at our options.’
Dieneke van der Wijk: ‘One of the options we explored was to continue as an independent organisation within an international alliance. For us it was important that we would be able to uphold our core values in doing so. That our gender equality and locally-led approach would not be lost. And that we would gain strength in the areas where we were less strong.’
Existing relationship
Simavi and WaterAid already knew each other well. Over the years, the organisations have worked together in various ways — from programme partnerships in several countries to international advocacy. Veerle explains: 'That existing relationship made it easier to start exploring what closer collaboration could look like. ‘How did our strategy match the WaterAid global strategy? What were our strengths and what were WaterAid’s, and how would those fit together?’
'Our gender equality and locally-led approach will not be lost'
As discussions progressed, it became clear that the organisations shared many of the same priorities. What followed was a thorough due diligence process, looking at programmes, fundraising, finances, campaigns, governance, and partners. ‘These were intensive conversations that helped to clarify how everything would work.’
Innovative ways to give women agency
For WaterAid International, welcoming Simavi into the federation was an exciting moment. ‘We are absolutely delighted about Simavi joining’, says Andrew McCracken, Global Director of WaterAid International. ‘It brings the Netherlands into the family and all the opportunities there to work with the government and the public. Also, we are always looking for different and innovative ways to tackle the water crisis, and I can see Simavi bringing some of those on board. Particularly how to find innovative ways to give women agency and how they're part of solving that problem. Simavi has got experience in that, for example, with some really innovative ideas with the Water Justice Fund.
Desire for greater collective impact
The new partnership has also been warmly welcomed by other WaterAid members. ‘We at WaterAid UK are already enjoying having a new ‘sister’ within our global federation’, says Tim Wainwright, CEO of WaterAid UK. ‘It is a hugely strategic move driven entirely by a desire for greater collective strategic impact on the major global issue of water, sanitation and hygiene for all.’
'As WaterAid Netherlands we are a more interesting partner'
For Simavi’s leadership, joining the federation opens new possibilities for fundraising and for increasing impact. ‘As WaterAid Netherlands, we become a more interesting partner because of WaterAid’s scale and the fact that we focus on systems change in many different countries’, says Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat. ‘That scale is very important for many partners and for us. Because we are not only present in the communities but also at the highest international level to talk about water policies.’
Difficult decisions
The transition also came with difficult decisions. ‘Transferring the programmes to the WaterAid country offices meant that we had to say goodbye to most of our own programme staff, both in the Netherlands and elsewhere. That has been painful and sad. Having said that, we gained collaboration with a lot of new programme staff by being a member of the WaterAid Federation’, says Dieneke van der Wijk.
Despite those challenges, the response was positive. ‘Our partners see WaterAid as a reliable organisation. And they also see that the world is becoming increasingly difficult for organisations like ours. So, it is important to stand together and to be able to absorb setbacks. At the same time, we remain an autonomous organisation with full control over where our donors' money goes.
Looking ahead
For Simavi’s leadership, the transition marks both continuity and a new beginning. ‘I have often been asked how we feel about losing our name’, says Veerle Ver Loren van Themaat. ‘But our work continues, so to me it feels much more like a restart than a loss.
‘My dream is that within a few years we will be seen in the Netherlands as the leading player in the field of water, climate and gender’, says Dieneke. ‘And that thanks to this collaboration we are a force that can attract more financing and make an even greater impact.’
Veerle: ‘We want to be a solid organisation and a good partner for companies and organisations. At the same time, we want to keep bringing new ideas and energy into the federation. Because one thing is certain: no one can solve the water crisis alone. But together we get a lot closer.’
