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Breaking barriers: moving to the forefront of change
In a world shaped by compounding crises and widening inequality, equity and inclusion are no longer optional—they are essential. These principles are not just about representation or access; they are the foundation of fair, resilient, and sustainable development.
At SNV, we believe that when systems are equitable, communities thrive. When inclusion is intentional, progress is shared. And when barriers are broken, lasting change becomes possible.
Across countries and sectors—from agri-food to energy to water—and together with our partners, we are working with women, youth, and marginalised groups to shift narratives, elevate voices, and help transform the systems that hold people back.
Because building a more inclusive future isn’t something we can do alone.
It takes partnerships.
It takes action.
It takes all of us.
Why now?
In today’s global landscape, equity and inclusion face increasing risks of being deprioritised, even as crises grow more complex.
But inclusion isn’t a side issue. It is a system strength.
When we invest in voice, recognition, and agency for women, youth, and marginalised groups, we create the foundations for more resilient communities, inclusive economies, and sustainable progress. Now more than ever, development efforts must be designed with equity at their core—not only to respond to today’s challenges, but to shape a fairer, more stable future.
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Breaking barriers for lasting change
In today’s shifting global landscape, shaping equitable and inclusive systems is essential for creating resilient communities, thriving economies, and sustainable futures.
At SNV, we believe that real progress happens when women, youth, and marginalised groups are recognised as leaders, innovators, and change-makers. Equity and inclusion are at the core of how we design programmes, collaborate with partners, and measure impact.
Watch this video to see how breaking down barriers unlocks new possibilities—for individuals, for economies, and for our planet.
Together, we can create lasting change.
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Valuing every contribution
Recognition
Recognition means acknowledging the essential, yet often overlooked, contributions of women, youth, and marginalised groups across sectors like agriculture, energy, and water. It’s about shifting mindsets and dismantling biases so everyone’s work and worth are valued through real, systemic change.
When people’s work and worth are genuinely seen and valued, it shifts mindsets and breaks down deep-rooted biases, creating a foundation for lasting, systemic change.
For instance, in Burundi, women like Mwavita are transforming their communities by securing legal land rights, enabling them to access credit and build sustainable livelihoods. Read Mwavita's story in the sections below.
Watch the video on the right to learn more about why recognition is the essential first step toward lasting inclusion.
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Unlocking potential
Agency
Agency is about creating the conditions for individuals—especially women, youth, and marginalised groups—to access the knowledge, resources, and opportunities needed to shape their own futures. When people are equipped to make informed decisions and take leadership roles, they not only improve their own lives but also drive broader social and economic progress.
In Kenya, Stephene, a person living with visual impairment, became a clean cooking activator, leading local entrepreneurs and expanding energy access in his community. Read Stephene's story in the sections below.
Watch the video on the right to learn more about why agency is key to unlocking potential.
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Amplifying every voice
Voice
Voice means making space for those who have been historically excluded to participate in decisions that affect their lives. Amplifying diverse voices strengthens equitable, resilient communities and drives sustainable development.
In Nepal, Manju Sharma’s leadership in digitising water supply data helped her community prioritize investments in climate-resilient, inclusive water systems. Inclusive governance that reflects diverse perspectives leads to stronger, more responsive systems that benefit everyone. Read Manju's story in the sections below.
Watch the video on the right to learn more about how voice drives lasting change.
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Time to reinforce
As priorities shift, equity and inclusion risk falling off the agenda. In this piece, SNV experts call for renewed commitment—showing why inclusion is key to progress across sectors.
Read the perspective articleRead more from
Breaking Barriers
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