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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.

How to get a better class of MP? Help mothers stand for parliament

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June 20, 2022

How to get a better class of MP? Help mothers stand for parliament

The first recipients of the grants from Labour MP Stella Creasy’s MotheRED scheme to encourage women into the Commons tell why it could help stop the rot in politics.

The first recipients of the grants from Labour MP Stella Creasy’s MotheRED scheme to encourage women into the Commons tell why it could help stop the rot in politics.

Women in politics: Striving for genuine change in a rigged system, By Fidelis Nwagwu

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June 14, 2022

Women in politics: Striving for genuine change in a rigged system, By Fidelis Nwagwu

The message seems quite clear that politics in Nigeria is a game for rich, old men, to the detriment of the real change-making demographics - women and youths.

The message seems quite clear that politics in Nigeria is a game for rich, old men, to the detriment of the real change-making demographics - women and youths.

A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard: Gloria Steinem on what feminism means today

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June 10, 2022

A Podcast of One's Own with Julia Gillard: Gloria Steinem on what feminism means today

Julia is joined by feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Gloria has been at the vanguard of the women’s rights movement and has been questioning the status quo and pushing against the patriarchy for almost 60 years.

Julia is joined by feminist icon Gloria Steinem. Gloria has been at the vanguard of the women’s rights movement and has been questioning the status quo and pushing against the patriarchy for almost 60 years.

We cannot keep leaving women with disabilities behind in leadership

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June 10, 2022

We cannot keep leaving women with disabilities behind in leadership

I know first-hand the difference that having women at the table can make.

I know first-hand the difference that having women at the table can make.

June 9, 2022
Welsh Government to press ahead with plans to increase Senedd members

The Welsh Government is to press ahead with plans to increase the number of Senedd members despite opposition from senior Conservatives.

June 7, 2022
Pakistan: NCSW holds consultation on women participation in elections

Islamabad: Women have been considered as a passive vote bank and political parties tend to use them mostly for representative functions at public gathering, meetings and campaigns.

Republic of Korea: A 26-year-old sex-crime fighter dives into South Korean politics

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June 2, 2022

Republic of Korea: A 26-year-old sex-crime fighter dives into South Korean politics

Park Ji-hyun has emerged as a leader of South Korea’s opposition and a torchbearer for women fed up with the country’s longstanding gender divide.

Park Ji-hyun has emerged as a leader of South Korea’s opposition and a torchbearer for women fed up with the country’s longstanding gender divide.

Her rights at work: How will women be treated in the new Australian parliament?

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May 30, 2022

Her rights at work: How will women be treated in the new Australian parliament?

A record number of women have been elected to the Australian Parliament. Anger about the Coalition Government's lack of action on gender equality has been one of the issues propelling the teal independents into parliament. 

A record number of women have been elected to the Australian Parliament. Anger about the Coalition Government's lack of action on gender equality has been one of the issues propelling the teal independents into parliament. 

Canada: More women in politics would help safeguard access to abortion

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May 24, 2022

Canada: More women in politics would help safeguard access to abortion

"Women hold just 30 per cent of seats in Parliament; only two of 12 premiers are women. It matters because women matter."

"Women hold just 30 per cent of seats in Parliament; only two of 12 premiers are women. It matters because women matter."