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.
This October, thousands of women will join in a one of a kind adv
When the Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Regional Coalition for Middle East and North Africa met last month in Beirut, one seat was noticeably empty.
When the Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) Regional Coalition for Middle East and North Africa met last month in Beirut, one seat was noticeably empty.
Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system remains the most signific
Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system remains the most signific
The Centre for Egyptian Women's Legal Assistance (CEWLA) has slammed MP Ahmed al-Tahawy, member of the parliamentary health committee, for saying that it is not appropriate to halt the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which he describes as an Islamic issue rather than a medical one.
The Centre for Egyptian Women's Legal Assistance (CEWLA) has slammed MP Ahmed al-Tahawy, member of the parliamentary health committee, for saying that it is not appropriate to halt the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), which he describes as an Islamic issue rather than a medical one.
After years of wrangling and debates among African leaders, the movement to end female genital mutilation (FGM) is gaining real momentum, with a new action plan signed this week by Pan African Parliament (PAP) representatives and the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) to end FGM as well as underage marriage.
After years of wrangling and debates among African leaders, the movement to end female genital mutilation (FGM) is gaining real momentum, with a new action plan signed this week by Pan African Parliament (PAP) representatives and the U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) to end FGM as well as underage marriage.
2015 was UN Women’s fifth year.
The Guardian has published an article on the views of UN Women’s Executive Director about changing laws blocking women’s economic progress.
The Guardian has published an article on the views of UN Women’s Executive Director about changing laws blocking women’s economic progress.
OpenDemocracy has published the following report in defense of grassroots women crisis responders.
“False claims that deny the impact of grassroots women's crisis responses are diverting much needed resources away from the very people making the best use of them.
OpenDemocracy has published the following report in defense of grassroots women crisis responders.
“False claims that deny the impact of grassroots women's crisis responses are diverting much needed resources away from the very people making the best use of them.
