Rising for the Rights

About FANSA India:

Initially, FANSA-India was established in four states and gradually expanded its presence across twelve states in India. It has now evolved into a highly sought network to strengthen and mobilise the CSOs across twelve states in India. The network comprises over 350 plus CSOs engaged in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector which are playing an active role in implementing and influencing water and sanitation policies and practices throughout the country. FANSA India national network came into existence in 2008 as one of the first country level chapters and continues to work as an umbrella organization of CSOs working at the grassroots level. FANSA-India serves as an umbrella organization for grassroots CSOs and is driven by the WASH learning and sharing initiative led by Modern Architects of India (MARI).

Objectives:

The primary objective of FANSA India is to facilitate

• To empower marginalised communities to access safe and sustainable WASH services and eventually secure their water and sanitation entitlements
• To collaborate with National/ State/ Local governments and other sector partners to enhance their capacity and effectiveness in delivering WASH services
• To extend research and advisory support to its network members, building their capacities to integrate principles of WASH rights into their programmes and activities
• To uphold its core values and evolve as a proactive network by providing leadership for diverse networks of NGOs, CSOs and CBOs

Mission: 

FANSA works with a mission to improve WASH governance

• By building capacities and opportunities for CSOs and CBOs in decision-making
• By advocating for robust transparency and accountability
• By partnering and working together with the local governments
• By fostering learning sharing

Achievements: 

• FANSA India has 381 CSO members covering 12 State chapters in the country. FANSA India is a vibrant CSO network engaged in strengthening WASH sector not only in the country but across South Asia.
• FANSA India is a member of National Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (NFSSM) Alliance – Bringing together the expertise of over 35 diverse organizations (NGOs, CSOs, Academic Institutions, Think Tanks. At the National, State and District Level, the network members are part of various committees formed by respective governments.
• COLLECTIVE ADVOCACY – Submission of Recommendations to the officials of Government of India on a Study conducted by FANSA India for effective utilization of 15th FINANCE COMMISSION TIED GRANTS for WASH to Local Governments

Goals: Strengthening CSOs of South Asia to contribute in achieving SDG6 by scaling up CWIS