Preface

When will I see you again?

I can’t believe another year has passed. As we had to spend some of it stuck at home (for some people, most of it), you would think the time would have gone by slowly – but it didn’t; it flew by! And I think it’s safe to say that we didn’t expect 2021 to be much like 2020. Unfortunately, it was. Therefore, let me share with you the following:

It takes a certain kind of soul to bridge the gap between the possible and the impossible: those among us who inspire, persevere and see the silver linings, those with the courage to understand suffering but face it head-on, who work vigorously to make the world a better place.

We use this to describe the ‘movers and shakers’ we interviewed and followed for the WASH First programme. They stood up during this past year and made a difference for their communities, individuals and families. More about these movers and shakers later in the report, but I highlight this tribute as I’m sure we all have a mover and shaker in our midst. In fact, you might be one of these amazing people. During challenging times, we all need to step up, give a bit more and run just that little bit faster to make a change in someone’s life, or in your own life.

At Simavi, we have taken the past year to reflect and understand where we can move and shake to make a difference in the lives of women and girls. Because, yet again, the pandemic and the ever-growing concerns around climate change have shown us that women and girls are impacted harder and the consequences for them during times of crises are bigger than for men and boys.

At the same time, the growing movement in international development to Shift the Power reinforces the idea that individuals exposed to multiple vulnerabilities, those most at risk and affected – typically including women and girls – should be at the forefront of change and development. In reality, women and girls are often excluded from decisionmaking platforms and their voices are not listened to or well represented. This is why we work towards a world where all women and girls can enjoy their human rights to water and sanitation, resulting in healthier and just societies.

On a personal level, after nine years the time has come for me to move on. Those years were filled with lots of challenges, celebrations and achievements. But above all, I have met some amazing people. I’m leaving Simavi with a feeling of immense pride and confidence that the organisation is ready for the next level. There is a solid strategy in place and exciting coalitions that will bring change and the determination to Shift the Power to local ownership. I thank all our staff, our partners, our donors and our supervisory board for their commitment to our work. I look forward to seeing many of you again soon and I will continue to follow Simavi, albeit from the passenger seat.

It takes a certain kind of soul to bridge the gap between the possible and the impossible: those among us who inspire, persevere and see the silver linings

Ariette Brouwer Managing Director