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Navigating Power: the freedom and opportunity to navigate and endure systems of power

Navigating power requires knowledge and understanding of how systems and institutions work, as well as the power relations that shape them, in order to influence or challenge them effectively (Gaventa 2004; Linas Salao 2007; Soliman et al 2022: 120). This includes the ability to speak to power, as well as the advocacy, leadership and organising capacity to exert pressure on decision-makers for impact or accountability (Holland 2017). This in turn builds resilience and resistance as marginalised groups push for change within or against dominant systems of power and oppression (Tschakert et al 2023: 7). Navigating power is also a capability needed within participatory processes, where power hierarchies usually manifest between the actors involved despite efforts towards inclusive participation.

Downstream Enablers of Navigating Power in INSPIRE

„ Creative and arts-based methods, especially those related to Theatre of the Oppressed(Boal 1979), support marginalised groups to navigate power structures and relations in a playful ways (Higueras et al 2024: 23-24).

„ Clear and reliable communication about participation is a necessary step towards mobilisation. Many of our key informants felt that poor communication with affected communities held back the potential of participation for challenging power.

„ Co-productive methods support collective ownership of participatory processes and outcomes, which in turn develops the collective capability for navigating power. Lack of collective ownership and reliance on organisers was cited as a barrier by participants in several INSPIRE pilots.