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Advocacy and Lobbying

Advocacy and lobbying are activities that represent and promote the needs of specific groups in political and social arenas. One such group is women, who can collectively pressure their leaders for legislative reforms to protect and promote women’s rights and concerns. It is the goal of advocacy groups and lobbyists to ensure that both the public and politicians understand and support their cause, so that it gains strength and credibility. Securing rights and gains for women requires coalition-building, funding, civic education, awareness-raising and individuals willing to lead the way.

While the goals of advocacy and lobbying are similar, the processes are distinctly different. Advocacy involves gaining and exercising power to influence a political action. Employing methods such as demonstrations, public campaigns and civic education, advocacy can be the primary mission of international agencies and civil society organizations seeking to influence global and national decision makers. Women worldwide frequently organize themselves for advocacy purposes, drawing on their collective power to affect legislation, official policies and governmental programs. Lobbying, however, refers to influencing the government and its leaders. Lobbyists attempt to sway policy makers and legislators to address specific issues, often by introducing or revising legislation and policy. Lobbying activities may include private meetings with decision makers, public campaigns and demonstrations.

Zimbabwe's women decry political underrepresentation

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September 18, 2023

Zimbabwe's women decry political underrepresentation

Women comprise 54% of Zimbabwe's population, but one can hardly tell from the country's new cabinet.

Women comprise 54% of Zimbabwe's population, but one can hardly tell from the country's new cabinet.

Women are voting but are still under-represented in Indian politics

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September 18, 2023

Women are voting but are still under-represented in Indian politics

Since the days of monarchy in India, women have been kept away for state and administrative jobs. Women have been neglected in decision-making in the public and private spheres.

Since the days of monarchy in India, women have been kept away for state and administrative jobs. Women have been neglected in decision-making in the public and private spheres.

Violence against women in politics: an urgent problem the political science community must take seriously

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September 15, 2023

Violence against women in politics: an urgent problem the political science community must take seriously

Violence against women in politics (VAWIP) is an urgent problem worldwide. At the time of this writing, U.S.

Violence against women in politics (VAWIP) is an urgent problem worldwide. At the time of this writing, U.S.

Uplifting women’s role in Politics

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September 15, 2023

Uplifting women’s role in Politics

It’s great to hear that the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has been actively promoting the inclusion of women and religious minorities within the party.

It’s great to hear that the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) has been actively promoting the inclusion of women and religious minorities within the party.

'Bharat', women's reservation bill and 'one election' debate: buzz gets louder over parliament special session

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September 13, 2023

'Bharat', women's reservation bill and 'one election' debate: buzz gets louder over parliament special session

For the first time in the history of independent India, the government is conducting a five-day-long special session of Parliament from September 18 to September 22.

For the first time in the history of independent India, the government is conducting a five-day-long special session of Parliament from September 18 to September 22.

Women’s Reservation Bill: history, importance and why The long silence?

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September 12, 2023

Women’s Reservation Bill: history, importance and why The long silence?

India is a nation born out of a long freedom struggle that promised to function on equal representation of people from diverse genders, religions, ethnicities Etc.

India is a nation born out of a long freedom struggle that promised to function on equal representation of people from diverse genders, religions, ethnicities Etc.

Informative cards “Violence against women in politics”

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September 8, 2023

Informative cards “Violence against women in politics”

Women and girls constitute more than half of Moldova’s population, yet they are under-represented in the bodies that make key decisions affecting their lives.

Women and girls constitute more than half of Moldova’s population, yet they are under-represented in the bodies that make key decisions affecting their lives.