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.
Bolivian defender of women’s political rights, she has a degree in economics with a master’s level specialization in finance from the Bolivian Catholic University. She has completed various courses and diplomas, both national and international, in the areas of Public Service Management; Pro
“Atispa mana atispa ñawpajman rinanchis tiyan” (“Power without power, we have to keep moving forward”) in the Quechua language, Ruth Rojas told her listeners at the end of a series
Women Deliver is a global advocacy organization bringing together voices from around the world to call for action to improve the health and well-being of g
General Federation of Sudanese Women said it has immovable trust in the government and its institutions especially the highest legislative and monitoring power, the parliament.
There is no doubt that much is being done politically to tackle gender inequality in Timor-Leste.
The absence of specific initiatives such as affirmative action to implement global, continental and regional commitments that promote gender equality in participation and representation in decision-making processes is hindering women’s involvement in national processes for sustainable development
28 January - 1 February 2013
Kathmandu, Nepal