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.
The National Forum on Women in Politics brought together diverse voices to explore how Temporary Special Measures (TSMs) can foster inclusive governance in Fiji.
Bradley Yombon, the Papua New Guinea Pacific regional Representative for the Commonwealth Students Association, has called on women in the country to actively participate in politics.
The Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) Women’s Leadership Initiative convened a Southern African Young Women´s Empowerment Academy in Malawi between 1
India, being the world’s largest democracy, envisions democratic participation as the cornerstone of India’s political system. Democratic decentralization or the grassroot level democracy is deeply embedded in ancient Indian philosophy and traditions.
India, being the world’s largest democracy, envisions democratic participation as the cornerstone of India’s political system. Democratic decentralization or the grassroot level democracy is deeply embedded in ancient Indian philosophy and traditions.
The call for greater diversity in leadership has grown louder, yet women remain underrepresented in political offices, particularly at the local government level. Despite making up more than half the U.S.
The call for greater diversity in leadership has grown louder, yet women remain underrepresented in political offices, particularly at the local government level. Despite making up more than half the U.S.
Looking back on all of the women that I have met over the years, the oppression, lack of opportunities, and expectations that were placed upon them, all I see is strength—strength passed from mother to daughter.
Looking back on all of the women that I have met over the years, the oppression, lack of opportunities, and expectations that were placed upon them, all I see is strength—strength passed from mother to daughter.
Women have always been at the forefront of people’s struggles in Niger. The example of Saraounia Mangou is emblematic and became a film.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s election as Mexico’s president has captured global attention for several reasons. Mexico is the world’s 12th largest economy.
This event is in collaboration with Latinas Represent; learn more about their work at LatinasRepresent.org.
