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.
FOLLOWING the release of the final list of presidential and national assembly candidates for the 2023 general election, the Women In Politics Forum (WIPF), on Monday, lamented the low number of female candidates contesting the 2023 general election.
We are facing a planetary emergency, and more than 500 leaders from around the world are coming together to ask the COP27 Presidency and all Leaders attending COP for equal representation and urgent action to solve the crisis.
Women have always been trailblazers in the West. Why are some states falling behind?
Women have always been trailblazers in the West. Why are some states falling behind?
A new women’s parliamentary caucus is needed at a time when they are being brazenly discriminated.
A new women’s parliamentary caucus is needed at a time when they are being brazenly discriminated.
Juliana Mittelbach, a 40-year-old hospital nurse from the city of Curitiba, Brazil, had long considered a career in politics until the COVID-19 crisis forced a decision. She had noticed it was “mostly Black people” who died.
Juliana Mittelbach, a 40-year-old hospital nurse from the city of Curitiba, Brazil, had long considered a career in politics until the COVID-19 crisis forced a decision. She had noticed it was “mostly Black people” who died.
MotherRED gives grants and support to 50 women, who commit to family-friendly policies, to stand for public office.
MotherRED gives grants and support to 50 women, who commit to family-friendly policies, to stand for public office.
With more than two hundred thousand followers on Facebook and about 54 thousand followers on Twitter, I am one of the most prominent Yemeni politicians on the ground and online.
With more than two hundred thousand followers on Facebook and about 54 thousand followers on Twitter, I am one of the most prominent Yemeni politicians on the ground and online.
In Peru, about 68 percent of young people have expressed an interest in politics, and about a third have volunteered, donated and advocated on behalf of initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Peru, about 68 percent of young people have expressed an interest in politics, and about a third have volunteered, donated and advocated on behalf of initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Committed, inspiring and bold climate leaders from all over the world will meet during the UN High-Level General Assembly week to discuss youth-led engagement and solutions in climate actions.