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.
Even before Niger’s political crisis this summer, an estimated 10.6 million people, or 41 per cent of the population, faced moderate to acute food insecurity.
As UN Member States and civil society groups prepare to mark the twenty-third anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, the world is in crisis.
To promote good governance in Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, Gender Strategy Advancement International, GSAI, has said People with Disabilities, PWD, Women, should be considered in the
To promote good governance in Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, Gender Strategy Advancement International, GSAI, has said People with Disabilities, PWD, Women, should be considered in the
Nearly a quarter of a century after the adoption by the Security Council of its resolution 1325 (2000), women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in building peace should be the norm, not
Nearly a quarter of a century after the adoption by the Security Council of its resolution 1325 (2000), women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in building peace should be the norm, not
Following the military coup in February 2021, elected representatives at the national, state and region level stood in solidarity and joined with millions of Myanmar citiz
Following the military coup in February 2021, elected representatives at the national, state and region level stood in solidarity and joined with millions of Myanmar citiz
The Nigeria League of Women Voters (NILOWV) has called on political parties in the
As Nigeria returns to democracy, concerns continue to grow about the low representation of women in both elected and appointed positions.
As Nigeria returns to democracy, concerns continue to grow about the low representation of women in both elected and appointed positions.