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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.

Increasing women's role in Indian politics: Challenges persist

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April 13, 2024

Increasing women's role in Indian politics: Challenges persist

A historic law, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, mandates the reservation of one-third of the total seats in the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi for women.

A historic law, the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, mandates the reservation of one-third of the total seats in the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi for women.

Six decades of fighting for women in politics: Cynthia Richie Terrell, founder of RepresentWomen

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April 5, 2024

Six decades of fighting for women in politics: Cynthia Richie Terrell, founder of RepresentWomen

Weekend Reading on Women’s Representation is a compilation of stories about women’s representation in politics, on boards, in sports and entertainment,

Weekend Reading on Women’s Representation is a compilation of stories about women’s representation in politics, on boards, in sports and entertainment,

Empowering women’s political participation in Tanzania

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April 2, 2024

Empowering women’s political participation in Tanzania

Earlier this month, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the National Democratic Institute premiered an interview we conducted with one of our partners, Honorable Neema Lugangira, a champion of legal reform and women’s empowerment in Tanzania. Hon.

Earlier this month, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the National Democratic Institute premiered an interview we conducted with one of our partners, Honorable Neema Lugangira, a champion of legal reform and women’s empowerment in Tanzania. Hon.

World News

International Women's Day: Latin American cities protest for women's rights

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International Women's Day: Latin American cities protest for women's rights

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Every March 8, millions of women mobilize in Latin America to be part of the agenda of International Women's Day.

Every March 8, millions of women mobilize in Latin America to be part of the agenda of International Women's Day.

World News

Somali women MPs rally against opposition to women's participation in politics

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Somali women MPs rally against opposition to women's participation in politics

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MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a press conference joined by local women activists on Monday, Somali women Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their frustration and lack of political will to include a 30% women quota in the constitutional amendments amidst a heated debate over the Somali Provisional Constitution. 

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a press conference joined by local women activists on Monday, Somali women Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their frustration and lack of political will to include a 30% women quota in the constitutional amendments amidst a heated debate over the Somali Provisional Constitution. 

World News

Statement at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women

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Statement at the 68th Commission on the Status of Women

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Excellencies,

Strengthening democratic institutions and processes is key for accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Indeed, democracy is the political system best equipped to achieve these goals. Equally, gender equality is essential for democracy, as well as for sustainable development more broadly.  

Excellencies,

Strengthening democratic institutions and processes is key for accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. Indeed, democracy is the political system best equipped to achieve these goals. Equally, gender equality is essential for democracy, as well as for sustainable development more broadly.  

World News

Women march for Palestine and against patriarchy in Pakistan

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Women march for Palestine and against patriarchy in Pakistan

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On International Women’s Day, March 8, women in major cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Multan, took to the streets for the seventh consecutive year to advocate for gender equality, justice, and safety against patriarchal norms.

On International Women’s Day, March 8, women in major cities across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi and Multan, took to the streets for the seventh consecutive year to advocate for gender equality, justice, and safety against patriarchal norms.

World News

'We want to have our voices out there' – Young women speak out at CSW68

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'We want to have our voices out there' – Young women speak out at CSW68

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Youth leaders from around the world have come together to discuss their vision for ending poverty and advancing gender equality at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the UN Headquarters in New York from 11 to 22 March. In this landmark election year, when 2.6 billion people are expected to cast their votes, young people – as voters, community members, and leaders – hold the power to demand higher investment in gender equality in countries, regions, and globally. 

Youth leaders from around the world have come together to discuss their vision for ending poverty and advancing gender equality at the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) at the UN Headquarters in New York from 11 to 22 March. In this landmark election year, when 2.6 billion people are expected to cast their votes, young people – as voters, community members, and leaders – hold the power to demand higher investment in gender equality in countries, regions, and globally.