Breaking down barriers in the non-profit sector: strategies to overcome obstacles

The non-profit sector plays a vital role in addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. However, like any sector, it faces its fair share of barriers that hinder its ability to create lasting impact. By recognizing these obstacles and implementing effective strategies, non-profits can break down barriers and thrive in their mission. Here are some key strategies to overcome these challenges:

1. Fostering collaboration over competition: one significant barrier in the non-profit sector is the competitive mindset that can arise from limited resources and funding. To overcome this, non-profits should prioritize collaboration over competition. By forging partnerships with like-minded organisations, they can pool resources, share expertise, and amplify their collective impact.

2. Establishing trust and building relationships: trust is the foundation of successful collaborations. Non-profits can overcome barriers by investing in relationship-building activities. This involves open and transparent communication, active listening, and establishing a shared vision. Building trust not only strengthens partnerships but also encourages collaboration and innovation.

3. Emphasizing shared goals and strategies: aligning missions and goals is essential for effective collaboration. Non-profits should invest time and effort in identifying common ground and shared objectives. By developing collective strategies, organizations can coordinate their efforts and avoid duplicating services, maximizing their impact in addressing societal challenges.

4. Leveraging technology: technology can be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers in the non-profit sector. Virtual collaboration platforms, online fundraising tools, and social media platforms can enhance communication, expand networks, and reach broader audiences. Embracing technology can help non-profits overcome geographical limitations and connect with partners and stakeholders from different regions.

5. Advocating for policy changes: non-profits often encounter barriers stemming from systemic issues and policies. To address these obstacles, non-profits should engage in advocacy and policy change initiatives. By working collectively to influence policy decisions, they can shape a more enabling environment for their work and overcome systemic barriers.

As you can see, breaking down barriers in the non-profit sector requires a proactive approach focused on collaboration, trust-building, shared goals, technological innovation, and advocacy. By implementing these strategies, non-profits can overcome obstacles, maximize their impact, and create lasting change in the communities they serve. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable future.

The importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in non profit organisations

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are crucial components for non-profit organisations to effectively serve their communities and make a positive impact. By prioritizing DEI, non-profits can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for staff, volunteers, and donors while also better addressing the needs of the communities they serve.

As the National Council of Nonprofits explains, just standing up for equity and justice is not enough. It's imperative that nonprofits "identify how to build the core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into all... operations, as well as model those values."

One of the key best practices for building a more diverse and inclusive non-profit organization is to prioritize DEI at every level. This means integrating DEI considerations into all aspects of the organisation, including hiring practices, program design, fundraising, and donor engagement.

Another best practice is to provide training and education on DEI issues to staff and volunteers. This can include workshops, seminars, or diversity training to help individuals understand and address issues of bias, discrimination, and inequity. Providing a safe and inclusive space for staff and volunteers to share their experiences and perspectives can also promote DEI and help build a more inclusive organisation.

According to a 2021 report by BoardReady, S&P 500 companies with boards that have more gender, age and racial diversity saw greater revenue gains than companies with less diverse boards. While the report doesn't prove causality, the correlation between diversity and performance suggests that organizations with less diverse boards should evaluate the impact of the board's homogeneity.

CIVICUS (a global alliance of civil society organisations and activists dedicated to strengthening citizen action and civil society throughout the world) actively promotes DEI. Civicus offers an interesting tool if you want to assess and improve the level of diversity of your organization. Take the test and become inspiring role-models and champions of diversity and inclusion in your communities.

In conclusion, prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion in non-profit organizations is essential for building a more just and equitable society. By creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, NPOs can attract and retain diverse talent and better serve their communities. By implementing best practices for building a more diverse and inclusive organization, non-profits can take meaningful steps towards creating positive social change.

Do you want to expand the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in your organization and on your board? Start with the Why and then embrace the How, as explained in this excellent article.

Role of NGOs in advancing women’s rights

The Association internationale des femmes (AIF; International Association of Women), a short-lived feminist and pacifist organization, was based in Geneva and active between 1868 and 1872. It demanded full equality between men and women. This was too radical for many feminists at the time. In 1872 it was dissolved and reorganized as a new association called Solidarité: Association pour la défense des droits de la femme (Solidarity: Association for the Defense of Women's Rights), which major achievement has been to get access for women to the University of Geneva.

Since then, NGOs around the world play a crucial role in advancing women's rights issues around the world. They work tirelessly to address gender-based discrimination, violence against women, and other challenges that hinder gender equality. Through advocacy, programs and initiatives, NGOs have been at the forefront of promoting women's rights and empowering women to achieve their full potential.

One of the key roles of NGOs in advancing women's rights issues is advocacy to raise awareness about gender inequality and push for policy changes that promote women's rights. They engage in lobbying, campaigning, and advocacy efforts to promote gender-responsive laws, policies, and programs. NGOs also collaborate with governments, international organizations and other stakeholders to promote gender mainstreaming and ensure that gender perspectives are integrated into all aspects of policy and decision-making processes.

Moreover, NGOs play a critical role in promoting gender equality and women's rights in international forums. They participate in global conferences, forums, and conventions to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and hold governments and other stakeholders accountable for their commitments to gender equality. NGOs also monitor the implementation of international agreements, such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), and report on progress and challenges. The Council of Europe Committee states NGOs as advocates of gender equality and women's rights" seeks to enable NGOs to promote the Council of Europe’s ground-breaking conventions and recommendations concerning women’s rights and gender equality in their respective NGO and in civil society. The Committee encompasses a broad variety of NGOs with focus on women’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of women.

NGOs also provide direct support to women and girls through their programs and initiatives. They offer a wide range of services, such as education, healthcare, legal assistance, economic empowerment, and psychosocial support, to address the unique challenges faced by women and girls. These programs not only empower women economically and socially but also help to address the root causes of gender inequality, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and gender-based violence.

The NGOs’ tireless efforts have made significant strides towards advancing women's rights, but there is still much work to be done. It is essential to continue supporting and collaborating with NGOs in their mission to promote gender equality and ensure that the rights of women and girls are protected and upheld worldwide.

At NMA we are privileged to regularly partner with wonderful organisation and people working to advance women’s rights issues, from fighting against menstruation poverty in Poland to girls’ education in Nigeria and many more. How does your organisation support women’s rights?