After a partnership review process, the following five revised elements for equitable partnerships were developed:
• Shared understanding of culture, context, and power (Know the context, Acknowledge power dynamics, Value proximate experience)
• Shared ownership and voice (Co-design, Co-leadership, Co-visibility)
• Trust and transparency (Prioritize relationships, Mutual agreement, Align values and expectations)
• Flexibility towards local partners (Adapt to ways of working, Respond to changing needs)
• Mutual accountability and learning (Mutual accountability, Shared learning).
In my view, this is relevant not only for relationships between nonprofit organizations and their local partners but also between funders and their grantees.
Equitable partnerships are key for lasting impact, be it in the humanitarian sector, in conservation, or any other area of cooperation.
