Power Footprint to measure Power Dynamics in the Global Development Sphere: Contribution of Disrupt Development

For many people, the power footprint appears to be not only a new expression, but also a new approach to measure power dynamics in the global development sector. In the international development field, the distribution of power is not yet equitable which leads to imbalance decisions making power, and non-sustainable development actions. It is clear that finding a tool and mechanism to measure the power dynamics in the development sphere becomes an urgent action to undertake. This brings WeRobotics, Camber Collective, Disrupt Development, and other organisations to a table of reflection on how a footprint could be a tool to measure power in the global development field. As the learning report on the power footprint is out, let us explore how Disrupt Development contributed to this exciting work.

Disrupt Development is profoundly convinced that daring to approach global development with disruptive ideas is key to obtaining change and sustainable impact in people’s lives across the world. During this excited journey on the power footprint, we engaged in two main activities. Our first action was to talk with a network of organisations. In fact, the organisations like the Hewlett Foundation, Ashoka…, we talked to, were originally involved in the co-creation of the power footprint initiative. We had different discussions around power dynamics and power distribution in the international development field, and this leads to our second action. At this level, we took the reflections that came out of the discussions we held with the organisations to the other members involved in the power footprint, and discussed how these ideas should move the power footprint forward. Our contribution in coming up with power footprint was  also to facilitate the documentation of the journey of co-creation led by Werobitics that launches a clear message that there is still room for other co-creators who would like to join this exciting initiative.

We must retain that the power footprint is designed measure and shift power dynamics to obtain a more distributed power in development actions where each stakeholder has control and authority over their ideas, field of action and orientation of their development policies and initiatives. Disrupt Development was fortunate to have Eshban Kwesiga, Eme Iniekung, and Melodi Tamarzians, who represented us brilliantly on this initiative.

We invite you to read the learning report here : https://werobotics.org/blog/the-power-footprint-report

And keep in touch for further engagements or collaborations with us at communication@disruptdevelopment.org