Skip to main content

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.

Event

Event

Third International Conference on Women’s Safety: Building Inclusive Cities

Back

Third International Conference on Women’s Safety: Building Inclusive Cities

This event will bring together international actors in the field of women’s safety for exchange and debate on key topics in current practice.

Event

Online Discussion: Gender, Education and Employment

Back

Online Discussion: Gender, Education and Employment

In preparation for the fifty-fifth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, the Division for the Advancement of Women is organizing an online discussion on the linkages between women’s and

Inter-American Year of Women 2010: Women & Power - For a World of Equality

Back
June 28, 2010

Inter-American Year of Women 2010: Women & Power - For a World of Equality

The General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), proclaimed 2010 the “Inter-American Year of Women,” in recognition of the progress made and the challenges that remain to full equality between men and women.

The General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), proclaimed 2010 the “Inter-American Year of Women,” in recognition of the progress made and the challenges that remain to full equality between men and women.

Code of Conduct for Political Parties: Campaigning in Democratic Elections

Back
May 10, 2010

Code of Conduct for Political Parties: Campaigning in Democratic Elections

This Code of Conduct assumes that governments, parties, organizations and individuals are each committed to multi-party pluralism and the democratic process.

This Code of Conduct assumes that governments, parties, organizations and individuals are each committed to multi-party pluralism and the democratic process.

Event

Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on Promoting Gender Balance and Participation of Women in Political and Public Life

Back

Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on Promoting Gender Balance and Participation of Women in Political and Public Life

ODIHR, in co-operation with the OSCE Chairperson in Office will be hosting the annual Supplementary Human Dimension Meeting on Promoting Gender Balance and Women's Participation in Political and Pu

Event

Event

Event