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.
UN Women organized an Information Sharing Meeting on Strengthening Women's Political Participation and Decision Making in cooperation with the Committee on Equality Opportunities for Women and Men (EOC) of the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA).
This podcast series tells the stories of women as civil society actors, activists, authors, leaders, health and humanitarian workers, youth representatives, traders and entrepreneurs in the Sahel and West Africa.
This podcast series tells the stories of women as civil society actors, activists, authors, leaders, health and humanitarian workers, youth representatives, traders and entrepreneurs in the Sahel and West Africa.
Over 60 percent of Americans support abortion rights—but last year Roe was overturned and
Over 60 percent of Americans support abortion rights—but last year Roe was overturned and
Traditionally, across South Sudan, women and girls have been disproportionately affected by conflict. Add to this, cultural norms, such as early or forced marriages, and there is a significant gap in attaining equal rights for women.
The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, last month committed to a revi
Stakeholders have advocated the implementation of gender-inclusive policy-making to address the challenges facing women in the country.
In a significant development, representatives from major political parties have unequivocally expressed their commitment to advancing women’s political participation.
Globally, approximately 736 million women — almost one in three — endure violence at least once in their life.
Since 2005 UBCM has participated in international projects that support local government development through missions in the Philippines, Vietnam, and Cambodia.