SWIDN Conference 2024 Recordings: Locally-led Development
SWIDN were delighted to host our fourth annual conference in 2024, returning for another year of online, open access and free discussions, training, networking and peer learning opportunities. This year’s focus was on locally-led development and we explored what this is, whether it’s possible within the current ‘development’ system, how far local goals can be…
A Charity Map of the South West: Who are we all?
Since SWIDN were first established around a Westcountry kitchen table in 2005, we have known that there are hundreds of organisations working across the UK’s South West to tackle poverty and inequality in countries around the world. Over the years, we have worked to engage many of these organisations as members, to better support their…
SWIDN’s Pilot Mentorship Scheme: Supporting International Development Professionals
Between January and June 2024, SWIDN embarked on an exciting journey with our Pilot Mentorship Scheme. Designed to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and professional growth, this initiative paired 22 mentors with 22 mentees, creating a vibrant community of international development professionals eager to learn and grow together. With wonderful input from Shaenna Loughnane – CEO at…
Career Journeys Blog Series #2 – Marlene Kawira
We hope you enjoy this blog full of wisdom and career insights from Marlene Kawira Kinyua- Creative Humanitarian, Founder of Hello MEARL and Afrikala Art, Content creator with Lead Like a Feminist and much more! Thank you for sharing your story with SWIDN for the second in our blog series on Career Journeys….. What first…
Transitioning to Localisation: Bridge2Aid’s Journey in Tanzania
Localisation tries to shift power, resources, and ownership to local people, putting them at the centre of the aid system.” (CAF) Localisation principles are rapidly reshaping the landscape of international development meaning international development charities and NGOs must ensure they empower the communities they aim to support. This paradigm shift isn’t a fad or trend…
Embracing Change: Legs4Africa’s Rebrand Journey to ‘STAND – We Walk Together’
by Tom Williams OBE – Founder At Legs4Africa, we’ve been on an incredible journey over the past decade. As we’ve grown and evolved, so has our understanding of the role we play in the wider narrative of international development. We recently undertook a transformative rebrand, adopting ‘STAND’ and the new tag line ‘We Walk Together’.…
International Development in the UK Election: Signposting Resources
This year is a big year in global politics. Half the world’s populuation will have the opportunity to cast their vote in 2024. For the UK, a General Election in the first week of July could have an impact on how the UK Government approach, fund and prioritise international development. While few SWIDN members engage…
Building South West Partnerships for SDG 5 in Exeter
SWIDN were delighted to have the opportunity to attend the inaugural 4M Conference held at the University of Exeter in June, meeting inspirational researchers and practitioners working all over the world to improve menstrual health and management, sexual, reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and improve participation and access for people who menstruate and experience menopause,…
Why our wellbeing is key to shifting power
At SWIDN, we are passionate about wellbeing. Of course we want to live our best lives and achieve the ideal work-life balance, but we also think prioritising wellbeing is a key part of transforming our sector away from colonial ways of working and towards greater equity and solidarity. The campaign to ‘shift the power’ continues…
