Towards equitable partnerships: addressing barriers and enabling equity among unequal partners

Partnerships have always been central to IIED’s work. However, working within a complex ecosystem of diverse actors and contexts has its challenges. Relationships between organisations often reflect the inequalities in resources and power in the world, which can make it difficult to establish equitable partnerships. 

We have carried out research to explore what an equitable partnership could look like, the principles that can guide such partnerships, and the tools that can be used to track accountability in partnership processes. We have assessed power dynamics between IIED and external partners, explored alternative approaches to more equitable partnerships, and addressed issues of broader significance in the wider sector. 

This report summarises the information gathered and provides intermediaries and donors with insights on promoting equity in partnerships between organisations with varying power and resource capabilities and creating enabling conditions for staff to be successful in fostering equitable partnerships.