Lessons learned from supporting the development of a network of networks for advocacy in the Global South

Overview

Oxfam regards working with partners as central to its model of change. While Oxfam is an organization with a strong global and international presence, working within networks and with other civil society organizations brings significantly more depth, outreach and legitimacy to its influencing work.

The ECSN BRICSAM (Empowering Civil Society Networks in an Unequal Multi-Polar World) programme demonstrates the value of working as part of a truly global network, with capacity and legitimacy to influence the governments of the emerging powers. It provides important learning for Oxfam in terms of its proposal to build a worldwide influencing network.

This paper seeks to highlight learning from the successes and challenges of developing a network of networks across countries in the Global South.

Partnering for Impact series

To do the work it does, Oxfam works closely with partners at all stages of the programme, in all kind of contexts: humanitarian, influencing, development, etc. But what does it mean for our staff? Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, so how do they do it? Following a reflective and productive writeshop, this Partnering for Impact series was developed to share and explore learning from experienced practitioners about what it takes to ‘work well in partnership’.