Advancing Transparency and Responsiveness in Social Work through the SWAN Humanitarian Platform

Abstract

Save the Children International, World Vision International, Action Against Hunger, and the Norwegian  Refugee Council, four prominent international NGOs, launched the SWAN humanitarian platform with United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs funding in March 2019 in Ethiopia. The Social Worker Administration Network (SWAN) provides life-saving initial emergency supplies in areas of emergency shelter, water sanitation and hygiene, and health services. SWAN has provided life-saving support to women, children, and other vulnerable populations affected by cholera, COVID-19, natural disasters, conflicts, and other crises. SWAN's focus on coordination among partners includes needs assessments, supply pre-positioning, capacity building, and creating linkages to coordinate and work with other humanitarian system actors. SWAN has successfully improved access to clean water, emergency shelter, medical attention, and hygiene education for millions. SWAN's rapid response capacity, coupled with transparent governance, has enhanced accountability to and engagement of beneficiaries, and contributed immensely in humanitarian efforts for life-saving support to alleviate suffering, restore human dignity in crisis settings, improve coordination, and address delivery redundancy while improving effectiveness and efficiency.