Engage - Partner Action Research Summaries (Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India)

ENGAGE

Action Research

by partners in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India

MAY 2026

Written and compiled by Dr Ibtesum Afrin, Coady Institute, Canada with original research by the Christian Commission for Development Bangladesh, Women in Self Employment in Ethiopia, and Self Employed Women’s Association in India.

This summary document has been written and compiled by Dr. Ibtesum Afrin, Coady Institute, Canada.

Original research conducted by:

Understanding Stakeholders’ Participation and Engagement in Drinking Water Management at Charlathimara Village of Patharghata

Muhammad Ramzan Ali*

Munniara Yesmin Munni

Riva Das Gupta

Dr. Ibtesum Afrin

Resilience and Success: Strategies for Small-scale Businesswomen Entrepreneurs in Addis Ababa

Lensa Tufa*

Blen Yetnayet

SEWA’s Union: Strengths, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

Brayan Macwan*

Mittal Modi*

Dharmistha Vaghela

Shivna Majmudar

Sagar Junagade

Devesh Shah

*indicates primary researcher

About Engage

ENGAGE: Women’s Empowerment and Active Citizenship is a 6.5-year Global Affairs Canada (GAC)-funded initiative co-designed by the Coady Institute, St Francis Xavier University, in Canada and five partner organizations: Christian Commission for Development in Bangladesh (CCDB), Centre Haïtien du Leadership et de l’Excellence (CLE) in Haiti, Organization for Women in Self-Employment (WISE) in Ethiopia, Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in India, and the Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) The project primarily supports the leadership development of women in the informal sector, enabling them to tackle key issues such as the future of work, community governance, increased participation in entrepreneurship, and the reduction of urban and rural poverty through economic empowerment

Partner Research

The learning agenda for Engage was designed to capture knowledge generated by all partners through project activities including partner-led research. In Engage, research is viewed not only as a means of gathering evidence for advocacy but also as a participatory tool for community reflection and community-led changes. Coady, as a learning institute, offered space and resources to support partners and conduct evaluative research to find ways to strengthen communities.

ENGAGE Action Research: An Overview of

Processes, Projects and Findings

This report presents summaries of Engage project partner action research from 2024-2025. Action research was derived from an iterative process of learning and sharing among five implementing partners, highlighting a substantial opportunity to improve skills in qualitative and mixed-methods research Colearning and co-creation, two innovative approaches for the Engage project and its partners, were integral to this process, with reflections made at each stage (Figure 1 illustrates the iterative, circular development steps of action research):

Review research proposal and identify research tools

Deepen understanding of qualitative research

Submit proposal

Explore qualitative research tools and plan future research steps

Participate in qualitative data collection Research fellowship to follow up on lessons learned and to move forward

A Glimpse of Action Research Project Development Steps

The action research timeline spanned from November 2024 to November 2025. The following steps were taken to complete partner action research projects

Mapping Research Fellows' Experience with Qualitative Research

Familiarity with qualitative research methods, tools, and processes varied across participating researchers Some participants were unfamiliar with qualitative research, while others were experts in quantitative research; additionally, some knew about qualitative research but sought to deepen their understanding. So, a workshop was organized to map participants' familiarity with and understanding of quantitative and qualitative methods Coady Institute's program teaching staff and project team accompanied the research participants through the workshop on qualitative methods and tools.

Research Topic Selection and Tailoring Research Tools

Before diving deeper into the use of qualitative tools to collect data, the research fellows were tasked with introducing their study topics/research questions andsharing thedata collectiontools they had drafted for input from their peers and workshop facilitators

In-depth understanding of Qualitative Data Collection

The workshop then focused on discussing and deepening qualitative research methods and tools, and research fellows further strengthened and revised the qualitative research tools for their proposed research. During the session, research fellows also mock-interviewed a group of local communities in Tanzania who volunteered to support the workshop to gain a broader understanding of research ethics and protocols

Implications for Future Research Practice

Participants can consider various methodologies, tools, and techniques for qualitative research during the workshop and independently design methodologies for their proposed projects. They can identifyopportunities

to modify their study methods based on practical experience Additionally, they built a network of fellow researchers to exchange ideas on simplifying qualitative data analysis, to get feedback on developing a data collection plan, and to reconvene to share research experiences and deepen their understanding of qualitative research analysis and knowledge dissemination

Research Fellowship

Research team leads from two organizations gathered at the Coady Institute in Canada for the research fellowship. After completing the workshop in December 2024, each organization and its designated research team collected data for phase one The fellowship was an interactive process in which research teams shared their insights It created space for them to rethink methodologies and research questions and to revise the research framework. During the fellowship, based on the initial data, research participants also deepened their understanding of qualitative analysis processes and practices. The time also included sharing best practices for writing, references, and citations By the end of the fellowship, research fellows shared feedback that they now have a deeper understanding of conducting qualitative research and using multiple qualitative tools. 1

Completion of Research and Sharing Research Reports

Research fellows revised the research methods and tools, redesigned a few aspects of the research, and completed the remaining data collection upon their return The second phase of data collection and final analysis took place between May 2025 and September 2025 Fellows shared the final report in November 2025.

Impact of Partner Action Research : 2

The action research and research fellowship not only deepened the research fellows' understanding of qualitative research methods and tools but also yielded outcomes that met the proposed research scopes for the respective communities and organizations. For instance, SEWA’s manager overseeing the Engage project shared that the action research findings have supported SEWA Union in strategizing, adapting the recommendations, and gradually increasing membership. The number of union members remained stagnant for a few years before the start of the research However, by incorporating the recommendations from the research findings, SEWA’s union membership began to increase steadily. Next, WISE’s action research has also had an impact on the community and the organization. WISE’s monitoring and evaluation officer shared that the action research has highlighted the success and resilience of women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia and has enabled the organization to build new connections and networks to support women’s entrepreneurship The CCBD research officer, on the other hand, highlighted how the action research has broadened the understanding of qualitative research and incorporated a contextualized research methodology for the research team and other researchers within the organization. It has prompted the development of an accountable water governance system in the village where the research was conducted CCDB also shared the research findings at CoP 25, which mobilized knowledge and elevated the discussion on water governance and social accountability from the local to a global platform.

2

Note: Action research began with five partners' research proposals and participation in a research workshop in December 2024 However, due to civil unrest and unprecedented political turmoil, CLE from Haiti and TGNP from Tanzania had to halt their research, resulting in incomplete research reports for these two organizations. Thus, this report contains the summary of three complete research studies from CCDB (Bangladesh), SEWA (India), and WISE (Ethiopia)

ACTION RESEARCH SUMMARY

CHRISTIAN COMMISSION FOR DEVELOPMENT BANGLADESH (CCDB)

Understanding Stakeholders’ Participation and Engagement in Drinking Water Management at Charlathimara Village of Patharghata

CCDB, Bangladesh | Understanding Stakeholders’

Participation and Engagement in Drinking Water Management at Charlathimara Village of Patharghata3

Background: Drinking water may seem a fundamental right to most, but a community from the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh says otherwise. They are facing an acute drinking water crisis due to seasonal flooding, prolonged dry spells, and widespread contamination of ground and surface water by salinity intrusion and arsenic. While several water management resources exist, their management is complicated, as it involves multiple stakeholders and their actions, indicating a systematic reconfiguration of water resources.

Research Methodology: To understand the complexity of the existing dynamics among stakeholders in managing drinking water resources in Charlathimara village in Patharghata, this study aims to explore the roles and interactions of key stakeholders. The study employed a qualitative approach, including 24 movement mapping sessions, 2 resource mapping sessions, 2 focus group discussions with community members, and 2 KIIs (1 with an NGO and 1 with government officials)

Findings: The study identified the roles, responsibilities, and collaboration among different stakeholders, examined access patterns (distance, ownership, and capacity) of significant drinking water resources, including pond sand filters (PSF), rainwater harvesting systems (RWH), Pond water, river, and canal water. The study also identified considerable challenges, including inadequate stakeholder coordination, ownership disputes, regulatory violations, insufficient maintenance, limited funding, lack of awareness, salinity intrusion, climateinduced disasters, and institutional constraints within government agencies related to land tenure, infrastructure installation, and operational maintenance of PSFs. The research highlights that effective water governance requires stronger institutional collaboration, transparency, robust financial systems, genderinclusive management committees, integrated approaches to maintaining diverse water resource infrastructure, education to foster a sense of ownership and accountability, and capacity building for diversified water sources. The research raises the question of the extent to which community involvement may challenge the systematic reconfiguration of water resources management and address the existing drinking water crisis

3

If you have any questions and comments regarding this research, please contact the CCDB Research Officer or the Engage project manager (CCDB)

ACTION RESEARCH SUMMARY

WOMEN IN SELF EMPLOYMENT (WISE), ETHIOPIA

Resilience and Success: Strategies for Small-scale Businesswomen Entrepreneurs in Addis Ababa

WISE, Ethiopia | Resilience and Success: Strategies for Small-scale Businesswomen Entrepreneurs in Addis Ababa4

Research Summary:

WISE’s action research explored the resilience and success strategies employed by small-scale businesswomen in Addis Ababa The research highlights the diverse challenges these women face, including financial hurdles, socio-cultural factors, personal difficulties, external pressures, market fluctuations, and operational difficulties. Despite these obstacles, the women demonstrated remarkable resilience, employing various strategies to overcome adversity and achieve business sustainability The research findings underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strategic resourcefulness for women's entrepreneurial success in challenging environments:

Financial innovation is essential: To overcome limited access to traditional funding and creatively sustain and grow their businesses, women entrepreneurs in Addis Ababa actively seek and utilize innovative financial solutions These include Equb, creative financing (relying on personal networks to access short-term debt), and SACCOs (Savings and Credit Corporations). This highlights their resourcefulness in overcoming financial barriers, a common challenge for small businesses, particularly in developing economies.

Adaptability is paramount: The ability to adapt to changing market demands, economic conditions, and socio-cultural factors is paramount for business survival and success. Resilient women entrepreneurs demonstrate this crucial skill by strategically diversifying product offerings, exploring new markets, and adjusting business models to both mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities, thereby significantly enhancing their resilience

Assertive communication is a fundamental business skill: It's a key strategy for women entrepreneurs navigating complex business environments, enabling them to confidently articulate their needs, negotiate effectively with suppliers and customers, and advocate for fair treatment by regulatory bodies Effective communication empowers them to overcome bureaucratic If you have any questions and comments regarding

hurdles like licensing and tax issues, resolve conflicts with stakeholders, and access resources such as loans and market information, ultimately contributing to their business success

Technology is a powerful tool: Technology is a powerful tool for women entrepreneurs, facilitating market expansion, efficiency improvements, and competitive advantage. Social media platforms, including TikTok, Telegram, and Facebook, offer cost-effective avenues for marketing, networking, and cultivating customer relationships This benefit was demonstrated by two interview participants who actively used these platforms for business promotion and saw real results. By leveraging digital marketing technologies, existing, emerging, and new small-scale businesswomen can overcome limitations associated with physical location and access to traditional marketing channels, fostering growth and long-term sustainability.

Strategic partnerships are indispensable: Collaboration and partnerships are essential strategies for small-scale businesses to access resources, share knowledge, and expand their networks. This was exemplified by two interviewed participants who actively sought and cultivated strategic alliances with other businesses and customers. Such strategic alliances provide access to new markets, technologies, and specialized expertise, thereby significantly enhancing the resilience and growth potential of these businesses.

Support systems are critical resources: External support systems are critical resources for women entrepreneurs, facilitating their empowerment and success Organizations such as WISE provide access to training, finance, and networking opportunities specifically tailored to their needs, while SACCOs offer essential financial support and foster community-based economic empowerment. Actively engaging with and leveraging these support systems enhances the resilience of existing, emerging, and new small-scale businesswomen, thereby contributing to sustainable business growth.

ACTION RESEARCH SUMMARY

SELF EMPLOYED WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (SEWA), INDIA

SEWA’s Union: Strengths, Challenges, and the Road Ahead

SEWA, India | SEWA’s Union: Strengths, Challenges, and the Road Ahead5

Executive Summary

This qualitative study examines how the Self-Employed Women's Association (SEWA) can strengthen its union in a constantly evolving social, economic, and environmental context. The research was conducted in Anand district, Gujarat, one of SEWA’s most dynamic organizational regions. SEWA today reports around 3.2 million members across India (SD Direct & SEWA Bharat, 2025). Even with its solid base, SEWA continues to struggle to scale up, reach younger members, and broaden its outreach, which indirectly affects the rate of new membership growth This research examines the difficulties faced by Aagewans and coordinators in Anand in strengthening the union. It examines the main factors that affect how SEWA grows and works in the community. The study is based on three sets of qualitative interviews that identify both the problems of strengthening the union and the role of consultation, facilitation, and networking in supporting members The research identifies five significant yet interrelated challenges that require strategic attention.

One of the biggest challenges SEWA faces today is not a lack of interest among women, but patriarchal norms. In many rural areas, strong patriarchal traditions still exist, and women often do not have the freedom to decide for themselves whether they want to participate in SEWA or similar groups Both members and Aagewans shared that husbands or elder male family members often stop women from even attending awareness meetings.

In many villages, SEWA is not the first organization to approach people about savings or loans Past experiences with other private finance companies and fraudsters who disappeared after taking money have left villagers -especially women -suspicious of any group offering financial services, triggering a lack of trust.

A changing mindset among younger women who are not showing interest in farming or grassroots SEWA work was prevalent Many prefer private-sector or city-based jobs, feeling disconnected from agriculture, other rural incomes, and collective organizing

Retirement of veteran union leaders and the limited involvement of younger members created a leadership transition gap a major challenge for membership sustainability

Climate change has extensively affected members’ lives and livelihoods, which is affecting their involvement in the SEWA union.

Recommendations:

The research calls for a multi-faceted approach to strengthen SEWA's union in the face of these challenges.

SEWA can introduce employment and livelihood programs focusing on income security and entrepreneurship that support women involved in the informal economy

Members suggest that SEWA’s initiatives should follow localized and needbased programs to increase the union membership and strengthen SEWA as a union.

To strengthen SEWA as a union, SEWA needs to integrate social protection systems that can adapt to both environmental and financial shocks.

SEWA operates major centres in district hubs; establishing smaller villagelevel centres would further strengthen outreach and participation.

To sustain the vitality of women’s unions and membership-based organizations, this research recommends that engaging the younger generation is an essential step to attract and mentor younger members.

Members value frequent visits from SEWA union staff members and their discussions We recommend that SEWA continue the trust-building through stories and relational outreach

Encouraging family-based member recruitment and mentoring can reinforce trust and build a sustainable foundation for future leadership.

SEWA’s proactive role during disaster response and solidarity is recommended to strengthen SEWA’s union membership enrolment

In conclusion, the research shows that building SEWA's union is not about increasing membership or funding it is about reinvigorating the relationships, values, and trust at the core of SEWA's philosophy Maintaining SEWA's legacy will depend on aligning its founding values with evolving, climate-resilient, and intergenerational strategies. By upholding its ethos of collective bargaining and empowerment, and by incorporating new forms of participation.