Background

The Centre for Inclusive WASH is a free, open-access platform for mainstreaming Inclusion in WASH.

Launched in 2021, CREA’s Gender and WASH program strengthens partner capacities to integrate gender and inclusion in sanitation. Building on this work, the Centre of Excellence, anchored in CREA’s gender and rights expertise, serves as a one-stop hub for knowledge, capacity building, and collaboration on inclusive, transformative WASH.

Audiences

The CoE supports diverse stakeholders including ULBs, SHGs, Community Toilets and Public Toilets operators, sanitation workers, and WASH partners by offering evolving resources and services. It serves as a reference for policymakers and programme implementers adopting intersectional, gender transformative and rights based approaches, extending its relevance to sectors like health and livelihoods for inclusive development.

Core partners

CREA’s Gender and WASH program was launched in 2021 with support from the Gates Foundation, with an objective of establishing a Centre of Excellence (CoE) alongside strengthening the technical capacities of WASH partners to integrate gender into their interventions. The platform is hosted by CREA, developed and designed by Quicksand, with the support of the Gates Foundation.

Centre of Inclusive WASH partners

WASH partners anchor the CoE by bringing ground realities and implementation insights. Together, we co-create tools and resources to address challenges while prioritising gender inclusion and amplifying inclusive, rights-based approaches in sanitation practice and policy.

Process of co-creation

The CoE has been shaped through a collaborative co-creation process involving partners and facilitated by Quicksand. Through online consultations, brainstorming, and iterative reviews, inputs on resources, design, accessibility, tone, and navigation were integrated, ensuring the platform reflects collective insights, diverse needs, and shared vision for an inclusive, user-friendly, and impactful knowledge and resource hub.