CIWED GHANA on the 23rd January, 2024 organized and hosted regional-level capacity learning and sharing sessions aimed at empowering Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the capacity to use Net Mapping as a social accountability tool. The initiative was also designed to enhance the capabilities of CSOs in leveraging this innovative method for better community engagement and advocacy. As part of our PAI project activities, a regional level capacity learning and sharing session brought together over fifty (50) participants from Ghana Health Service, District Assemblies, Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Youth Leaders, Community Leaders, Media and Sister CSOs in the two implementing districts. The stakeholders expressed their sincere gratitude for the work CIWED is doing and made commitments to support the utilization of the tool when develop.
Explaining to participants, gender equality and social inclusion manager of CIWED-GHANA Miss Bashiru Mardia in her presentation mention indicated that, the primary goal of the sessions was to equip CSOs with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize Net Mapping as a strategic social accountability tool. Net Mapping, a visual representation of relationships and connections, provides a unique approach for CSOs to analyze power dynamics, identify stakeholders, and map community assets and challenges. Participants were introduced to the core principles and techniques of Net Mapping, emphasizing its applicability in social accountability initiatives.
The sessions served as a platform for CSOs to establish connections, fostering potential collaborationsand partnerships for future initiatives. Some partners called for documentation of the net-mapping procedures to further engagements. Fortunately this is part of the activities of the PAI funded initiative.
The regional capacity learning and sharing sessions on Net Mapping represent a significant milestone in CIWED GHANA’s commitment to empowering CSOs. The organization remains dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, recognizing the transformative potential of innovative tools like Net Mapping in advancing social accountability efforts across the region.