Watershed – empowering citizens

About the Watershed programme

Watershed empowering citizens programme is a strategic partnership between the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IRC, Simavi, Wetlands International and Akvo. Watershed delivers improvements in the governance and management of water, sanitation and hygiene services as well as of the water resources on which they draw.

Impact of the programme

The objective of this programme is improved governance of the WASH sector that is responsive to the interests of marginalised groups. This means:

• that in the countries where we work we see competent community organisations and their networks lobby effectively for the realisation of the human right to water and sanitation;
• communities and citizens are able to and are well organised to demand their rights to water and sanitation and have a seat at the table when it comes to decision making regarding WASH planning and budgeting;
• and lastly, global civil society effectively demands fulfilment of the human right to water and sanitation and equitable and sustainable allocation of water resources.

Contributing to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG):

• SDG 6: Clean water and sanitation - Ensure access to water and sanitation for all

Approach of the Watershed programme

In most countries, the emphasis will be on strengthening capacity on policy influencing to identify the main challenges in planning, implementing and regulating water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and water security and develop appropriate budgeting processes.

Implementing partners will work to raise awareness of government processes and citizens’ rights, roles and responsibilities in holding government and service providers accountable.