_quarto.yml

@@ -12,14 +12,14 @@ website:
     title: false
     css: logo.css
     right:
-      - href: join.qmd
-        text: Join
       - vision.qmd
-      - href: contact.qmd
-        text: Team
       - href: events/index.qmd
         text: Events
       - posts.qmd
+      - href: contact.qmd
+        text: Team
+      - href: join.qmd
+        text: Join
       - contributor.qmd
     tools: 
       - icon: linkedin

contact.qmd

@@ -2,23 +2,33 @@
 title: "Team"
 ---
 
-## Core facilitating team
+::::: grid
-
+::: g-col-4
-![](/images/Nick.png){fig-alt="Nicolas Dickinson" fig-align="center" width="251"}
+![](images/Nick.png)
+:::
 
+::: g-col-8
 ### Nicolas Dickinson - WASHWeb Lead
 
 Founder of [WASHNote](https://washnote.com). With over 15 years of experience in the WASH sector, Nick is highly specialized in the development of international and regional monitoring of WASH commitments and their enabling environments, providing country-led monitoring and evaluation of services, and facilitating trainings to a range of different organizations. Above all, he firmly believes in the need for making better use of data and digital systems to advance towards reaching SDG 6: clean water and sanitation for all by 2030.
 
 [Email](mailto:dickinson@washnote.com){target="_blank"} \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolasdickinson/)
+:::
+:::::
 
-![](/images/Merel.png){fig-alt="Merel Laauwen" fig-align="center" width="251"}
+::::: grid
+::: g-col-4
+![](images/Merel.png)
+:::
 
+::: g-col-8
 ### Merel Laauwen - WASHWeb Coordinator
 
 Merel works as an [independent consultant](https://www.lwn.earth/) in the WASH sector. Her work spans a variety of topics, from WASH systems strengthening to disaster preparedness in humanitarian settings. She studied an MSc in Water Science, Policy and Management at the University of Oxford, where her dissertation research focused on the use of systems thinking in the implementation of rural water treatment.
 
 [Email](mailto:merel@lwn.earth){target="_blank"} \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/merel-laauwen/)
+:::
+:::::
 
 ## Contribute
 

events/2024_04_04_online_webinar/index.qmd

@@ -21,17 +21,25 @@ We will delve into different innovations working towards an improved
 WASH data ecosystem - from the use of AI and open data, to creating
 scalable management information systems.
 
-## Slides and recording
+## 📹 Recording
 
 Did you miss the webinar? The recording is now available on [WASHWeb's
-YouTube channel](https://youtu.be/jDKfOT3vBPU?si=yuU_fz5x3GvVxo5d). All
+YouTube channel](https://youtu.be/jDKfOT3vBPU?si=yuU_fz5x3GvVxo5d).
-presentations are downloadable via
-[Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/iq8ze0ep444rbfzfgr21d/WASHWeb_webinar_all_slides_240404.pdf?rlkey=rs26tn76nyuva7733y3mw3hzw&e=1&st=yk7862ib&dl=0).
 
 <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jDKfOT3vBPU?si=vLa252b0lPDSyTDs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen>
 
 </iframe>
 
+## 💻 Slides
+
+All presentations are downloadable via
+[Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/iq8ze0ep444rbfzfgr21d/WASHWeb_webinar_all_slides_240404.pdf?rlkey=rs26tn76nyuva7733y3mw3hzw&e=1&st=yk7862ib&dl=0)
+or the embedded document below.
+
+<iframe width="560" height="315" src="WASHWeb_webinar_all_slides_240404.pdf" title="Slides" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>
+
+</iframe>
+
 ## 📆 Event Details
 
 -   **Date:** Thursday, April 04, 3:00 - 4:30 PM (CET)

events/2024_07_11_webinar_2/index.qmd

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 title: "WASHWeb Webinar: Partnerships for WASH Data"
 description: |
   Partnerships are critical to strengthen our WASH data ecosystem. Join our next webinar on July 11 to to connect, participate, and learn from leaders in collaboration and partnerships!
-
 execute:
     echo: false
     warning: false
@@ -30,14 +29,21 @@ Additionally, speakers will offer insights related to open data and data
 sharing within specific communities from different countries around the
 world.
 
-## Slides and recording
+## 📹 Recording
 
 <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WaBXQ4YfGJM?si=dqvXMTaJMvkg-XbU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen>
 
 </iframe>
 
-Slides can be accessed and downloaded via this [Dropbox
+## 💻 Slides
-link](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9sph4p033yj09yqkflbzd/Partnerships_Webinar_Slides.pdf?rlkey=hvuq736n8la3uvwpxd5g84uki&st=ouv60dkd&dl=0).
+
+Slides can be accessed and downloaded via
+[Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9sph4p033yj09yqkflbzd/Partnerships_Webinar_Slides.pdf?rlkey=hvuq736n8la3uvwpxd5g84uki&st=ouv60dkd&dl=0)
+or the embedded document below.
+
+<iframe width="560" height="315" src="Partnerships_Webinar_Slides.pdf" title="Slides" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>
+
+</iframe>
 
 ## 📝 Agenda
 

events/2024_08_29_SWWW/index.qmd

@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ partners across the public and private sector, local and international
 NGOs, and multilaterals to discuss how our community and partnership can
 have a greater impact through open WASH data.
 
-## Slides and Recording
+## 📹 Recording
 
 Did you miss the webinar? The recording is now available on [Stockholm
 World Water Week Channel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otich0Msfic).
@@ -37,8 +37,11 @@ World Water Week Channel](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Otich0Msfic).
 
 </iframe>
 
+## 💻 Slides
+
 All presentations are downloadable via
-[Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tyzzfuraqahgdexfbw6z9/SWWW_-Unlocking-the-hidden-potential-of-open-WASH-data-slides.pdf?rlkey=5ciml4g2vqydhal0jlz3mq8et&dl=0).
+[Dropbox](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tyzzfuraqahgdexfbw6z9/SWWW_-Unlocking-the-hidden-potential-of-open-WASH-data-slides.pdf?rlkey=5ciml4g2vqydhal0jlz3mq8et&dl=0)
+or via the embedded document below.
 
 <iframe width="560" height="315" src="SWWW_%20Unlocking%20the%20hidden%20potential%20of%20open%20WASH%20data%20-%20slides.pdf" title="Slides" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>
 
@@ -63,7 +66,7 @@ All presentations are downloadable via
 
 -   🇮🇩 14:00 PM (WIB - Jakarta, Indonesia)
 
-## Agenda
+## 📝 Agenda
 
 ```{r}
 
@@ -83,7 +86,3 @@ agenda  |>
     dplyr::rename_with(~stringr::str_to_title(.x), everything()) |> 
     knitr::kable()
 ```
-
-## Slides
-
-Will be shared following the event.

index.qmd

@@ -2,33 +2,31 @@
 title: "Building a community to improve access to WASH information"
 ---
 
-WASHWeb is a set of participatory initiatives to give you and everyone you know better access to water, sanitation and hygiene information. This web page is where you can find more information about taking part in various ways.
+WASHWeb is a set of participatory initiatives to give you and everyone you know better access to water, sanitation and hygiene information. This page is where you can find more information about taking part in various ways.
 
 The WASHWeb is made up of people and organizations that work to fill the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) gap to make data discoverable, usable and representative. WASHWeb is meant to serve as an open platform and requires diverse inputs to work. Our vision cannot be realized without community support.
 
-[Join our working groups for more discussion, learning & collaboration](/join.html).
+![](images/header.png)
 
-## Working Groups
+# WASHWeb Pillars
 
-The working groups facilitate collaboration and discussions on four different initiatives for an improved and healthy data environment.
+## Social Justice
-
-### Social Justice
 
 Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right, and access to WASH systems is a social justice issue. What information is needed to improve access for marginalized people? What specific ethical issues around data collection, privacy, data ownership, and use of data need to be addressed?
 
-### Using Data Better
+## Using Data Better
 
 There is a wealth of information and knowledge available regarding WASH data. Organizations like the JMP, GLAAS, World Bank, and OECD have generated valuable data for the sector. How can we make this publicly available data more accessible and more usable? How can we incorporate data that is more difficult to find? How can we involve smaller organizations?
 
-### Systems Thinking
+## Systems Thinking
 
 In the WASH sector, it is increasingly recognized that systems strengthening is critical to achieve universal services. Understanding and acting on systems requires that qualitative and quantitative information is used holistically in collective action. How do we bring together diverse sources of information to support systems strengthening? What are the benefits and risks of using artificial intelligence and information technology for this task?
 
-### Accountability: 4Ws
+## Accountability: 4Ws
 
 The actors accountable for water and sanitation decision-making are often dispersed throughout diverse organizations. As a result, there is a scattered and disconnected WASH data ecosystem. We propose to develop a registry of **Who** works in the sector, **What** they do, **Where** they do it, and **When** it’s been done so that data is placed in context. Can this make the WASH sector more accountable?
 
-## Joining WASHWeb {#join}
+# Joining WASHWeb {#join}
 
 ### Who can take part?
 

posts/2024-05-10-webinar-1-reflections/index.qmd

@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ Katy Sill, alongside [Emeline Bereziat](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeline-bere
 
 ### Project W: Aquaya’s Innovative Research on WASH Data Usability
 
-[Duncan Penfold-Brown](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpenfoldbrown/) from [Aquaya](https://aquaya.org/) provided an in-depth look at their new initiative: [Project W](https://aquaya.org/project-w/). With many curious audience members, Duncan explained that Project W will be a directory, plaform, and service that will host all WASH data for governments, funders, and implementers - those who rely on WASH data on a regular basis.
+[Duncan Penfold-Brown](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpenfoldbrown/) from [Aquaya](https://aquaya.org/) provided an in-depth look at their new initiative: [Project W](https://aquaya.org/project-w/). With many curious audience members, Duncan explained that Project W will be a directory, platform, and service that will host all WASH data for governments, funders, and implementers - those who rely on WASH data on a regular basis.
 
 ### Leveraging AI for Data Discovery in WASH
 

posts/2024-10-11-SWWW-Reflections/index.qmd

@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+---
+title: "The Hidden Potential of Open WASH Data"
+description: "At WWW 2024, we explored how open WASH data can break down barriers and improve decision-making in the sector along with a group of excellent cross-sectoral WASH experts."
+author: "Merel Laauwen"
+date: "2024-10-11"
+date-modified: today
+image: Introduction.png
+draft: false
+title-block-banner-color: "#FFFFFF"
+---
+
+![](Introduction.png)
+
+:::: grid
+::: g-col-12
+In the ever-evolving landscape of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) management, data has become a pivotal resource. It holds the key to optimizing decision-making, informing policy, and ensuring that services reach the communities that need them the most. During World Water Week 2024, our session "[Unlocking the Hidden Potential of Open WASH Data](https://washweb.org/events/2024_08_29_SWWW/)" provided a platform for experts from across the globe to delve into the critical role that open data can play in overcoming sector-specific challenges. In addition, participants were able to bring in their own experiences through interactive brainstorm sessions in small groups about these key challenges. Co-hosted by [WASHWeb](https://www.linkedin.com/company/washweb/) and [openwashdata](https://openwashdata.org/), this session highlighted key issues around data ownership, accessibility, privacy, and trust, while brainstorming collective solutions to drive progress.
+
+The session was a great success, attracting 50 in-person participants and 70 online participants, despite our (slightly) challenging time slot at 9:00 on the last conference day.
+:::
+::::
+
+## Challenge #1: The Power of Open Data in Public Sector Decision-Making
+
+::::: grid
+::: g-col-7
+[Sandile Mbatha](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandilembatha/), National Chief Data Officer from South Africa, spoke on the complexities of ownership and custodianship of data within the public sector. His message was clear: data only becomes a valuable resource when it is shared. The reluctance to share data, often tied to "data egos," creates silos that prevent effective decision-making and governance. Mbatha urged participants to rethink how data could be opened and standardized for public benefit, particularly in under-resourced governments. “Data ownership breeds data egos, which means people hoard their data and can't share it. Data is only a resource when it's shared,” he emphasized.
+:::
+
+::: g-col-5
+![](Sandile.png){width="1000"}
+:::
+:::::
+
+## Challenge #2: Ensuring WASH Data Accessibility in High-Income Settings
+
+::::: grid
+::: g-col-5
+![](Kim.png){width="1000"}
+:::
+
+::: g-col-7
+While WASH challenges are often framed as issues affecting low-income countries, [Kimberly Lemme](https://www.linkedin.com/in/kslemme/) from [DigDeep](https://www.digdeep.org/) reminded participants that high-income nations like the U.S. also face significant hurdles. Over 2 million Americans live without proper water access. Lemme discussed the fragmentation of WASH data across federal, state, and local levels, which leads to gaps in understanding the true scope of the problem. “We don’t actually really know the size of the crisis because the data is fragmented,” Lemme noted. A collaborative approach is required to bring this data together and to ensure it is accessible to underserved communities in these regions.
+:::
+:::::
+
+## Challenge #3: Balancing Client Privacy with Donor Expectations
+
+::::: grid
+::: g-col-7
+As the WASH sector shifts toward results-based financing, there is increasing pressure to verify services delivered to clients while balancing privacy. [Sasha Kramer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sasha-kramer-23b4b3160/) of [SOIL](https://www.oursoil.org/), a container-based sanitation provider in Haiti, highlighted the tension between meeting donor data requirements and respecting client privacy. Kramer stressed the need for empathy in data collection, noting that asking intrusive questions of clients who pay for services blurs the line of what is ethically acceptable. “We run a revenue-generating nonprofit, which means people pay for these services—they are clients. This really blurs the line of what right we have to go and ask them about a service that they’ve paid for,” she remarked.
+:::
+
+::: g-col-5
+![](Sasha.png){width="1000"}
+:::
+:::::
+
+## Challenge #4: Building Trust for Investment Decisions
+
+::::: grid
+::: g-col-5
+![](Stef.png)
+:::
+
+::: g-col-7
+[Stef Smits](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stef-smits-b9a5a32a/) from [IRCWASH](https://www.ircwash.org/) addressed the critical issue of increasing trust in open data for investment decisions. Trust is often undermined when data is incomplete, inconsistent, or lacks transparency. Smits emphasized the importance of adopting standardized accounting methods, such as the WASH Accounts methodology developed by WHO, to harmonize financial data and allow for clearer, more reliable comparisons. This standardization can build investor confidence and streamline financial decision-making processes, a crucial step toward sustainable WASH investments.
+:::
+:::::
+
+## Challenge #5: Creating a Sector “Wiki” National Water Asset Inventory
+
+::::: grid
+::: g-col-7
+[Muthi Nhlema](https://www.linkedin.com/in/muthi-nhlema-829834156/), founder of [BASEflow](https://baseflowmw.org/) in Malawi, proposed an innovative solution for managing water assets through a sector-wide wiki approach. Malawi’s comprehensive water asset database is a treasure trove of data, but keeping it up to date has proven challenging. Nhlema suggested a community-driven approach, similar to how Wikipedia functions, where various NGOs and local actors contribute to keeping the database current. Barriers such as data monetization and a lack of resources remain significant hurdles. As Nhlema pointed out, “Data is viewed as a financial good first, above all else, so they want to monetize it.”
+:::
+
+::: g-col-5
+![](Muthi.png)
+:::
+:::::
+
+## Challenge #6: Overcoming Capacity Constraints in Data Practices
+
+::::: grid
+::: g-col-5
+![](Sue.png)
+:::
+
+::: g-col-7
+The session also explored the challenge of managing legacy data within academic and research environments. [Susan Mercer](https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-mercer-0883813a/) of the [University of KwaZulu-Natal](https://www.ukzn.ac.za/) explained how decades of WASH research have generated large datasets that are difficult to access, use, and share due to a lack of resources and data management expertise. “Our research center has been operating for 50 years. We have data from 50 years back, and it’s in different formats. Some of it is just sitting in documents, and often there are no electronic records,” she said. Building capacity for data management and archiving within academic institutions is essential to unlocking the potential of this wealth of information.
+:::
+:::::
+
+## The Path Forward
+
+Each of these expert contributions underscores a common theme: collaboration and innovation are crucial to unlocking the potential of open WASH data. By addressing issues around trust, privacy, accessibility, and capacity, we can build data ecosystems that not only drive investment but also improve service delivery for underserved communities worldwide.
+
+For access to the full session recording, use [this link](/events/2024_08_29_SWWW/). 
+
+Follow \@[WASHWeb](https://www.linkedin.com/company/washweb/) for updates and future events.

vision.qmd

@@ -6,10 +6,18 @@ At the core of the vision, the idea is to make information discoverable, represe
 
 ![WASHWeb's vision for an improved data ecosystem](images/washwebvision.png){fig-align="center" width="518"}
 
+## Discoverability
+
 **Discoverable** means that it can not only be found through search and also by simply showing interest in the area and somehow you discover it. Browsing wikipedia articles should be sufficient to find key statistics on water and sanitation. At the moment, these statistics are a few steps away in specialist websites like washdata.org and this information is not automatically used in those articles. Showing interest in a specific district and search "water" and the name of US county should give key facts about water supplies. Data may already be available but simply not discoverable.
 
+## Representativeness
+
 **Representative** means that information should also represent the reality on the ground from different perspectives and that information is not from a single source of truth. It should also be appropriate to the local needs both in terms of the WASH sector and local populations and should be validated.
 
+## Usefulness 
+
 **Useful** information is information from which one can begin to take action. Often key information about who to contact for more information, what happened, when and where is missing. If there is information about water services or sanitation, these are often dated.
 
+## WASHWeb's Contribution to Improved WASH Data
+
 In short, the WASHWeb community makes information and expertise more accessible so that it is no longer only experts who are able to make informed decisions based on available evidence. Until now, WASHWeb has been an idea and a project that a few people have been playing with. WASHWeb (including this website) is entirely open source and participatory, meaning it is open to the initiative and inputs from others. Currently, WASHNote hosts and maintains the project website and source code.