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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.

Women’s Law Association conference focused on increasing women’s political participation (video)

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March 12, 2013

Women’s Law Association conference focused on increasing women’s political participation (video)

In an effort to build momentum following the 2012 races, the Women’s Law Association hosted its annual conference on February 8, entitled “19%: When Will Women Have the Floor?” Experts and professionals gathered to discuss how to close the gender gap in politics, and what role lawyers can play
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In an effort to build momentum following the 2012 races, the Women’s Law Association hosted its annual conference on February 8, entitled “19%: When Will Women Have the Floor?” Experts and professionals gathered to discuss how to close the gender gap in politics, and what role lawyers can play

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Agents of Change: Yousra Fraous, the Arab Institute for Human Rights

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Agents of Change: Yousra Fraous, the Arab Institute for Human Rights

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Since the revolution of January 2011, IDEA has been following closely the transition to democracy in Tunisia. Over the past two years, the Institute has strengthened its presence on the ground to provide support to the ongoing constitutional process.

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Since the revolution of January 2011, IDEA has been following closely the transition to democracy in Tunisia. Over the past two years, the Institute has strengthened its presence on the ground to provide support to the ongoing constitutional process.

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Emerging Voices: Young Women in Lebanese Politics

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March 5, 2013

Emerging Voices: Young Women in Lebanese Politics

Although Lebanon is known in the Middle East for its relative political openness and for the degree of freedom Lebanese women enjoy, it paradoxically has one of the lowest rates of women’s political engagement in the region.

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Although Lebanon is known in the Middle East for its relative political openness and for the degree of freedom Lebanese women enjoy, it paradoxically has one of the lowest rates of women’s political engagement in the region.

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The century of inclusion and women’s full participation: Kapuscinski lecture by Michelle Bachelet

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The century of inclusion and women’s full participation: Kapuscinski lecture by Michelle Bachelet

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Michelle Bachelet United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women : “The century of inclusion and women’s full participation”. Dublin, Ireland. 21 February, 2013.

read and see the video lecture on the UN Women site published February 21 2013

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Michelle Bachelet United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women : “The century of inclusion and women’s full participation”. Dublin, Ireland. 21 February, 2013.

read and see the video lecture on the UN Women site published February 21 2013

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Empowering Women for Stronger Political Parties: A Guidebook to Promote Women's Political Participation

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February 20, 2013

Empowering Women for Stronger Political Parties: A Guidebook to Promote Women's Political Participation

This publication, published by UNDP and NDI, identifies targeted interventions for promoting the stronger presence and influence of women in political parties as well as advancing gender equality issues in party policies and platforms.

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This publication, published by UNDP and NDI, identifies targeted interventions for promoting the stronger presence and influence of women in political parties as well as advancing gender equality issues in party policies and platforms.

NDI: Women's Political Participation Training Report, Cambodia

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February 20, 2013

NDI: Women's Political Participation Training Report, Cambodia

As the 2013 National Assembly elections approach, Cambodia has an opportunity to improve women’s political participation.

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As the 2013 National Assembly elections approach, Cambodia has an opportunity to improve women’s political participation.

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Mauritania: Mauritanian Women Advocate for Rights with Public Petition

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Mauritania: Mauritanian Women Advocate for Rights with Public Petition

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Though few Mauritanians are able to have a say in their country’s political life, one group of dedicated women is determined to be heard. The Advocacy Initiatives Group for Women’s Political Participation (Groupes des Initiatives de Plaidoyer pour la Participation Politique des Femmes, GI3PF), a nonpartisan organization comprising women from all walks of life, is committed to encouraging women’s participation in Mauritanian politics at the local and national levels.

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Though few Mauritanians are able to have a say in their country’s political life, one group of dedicated women is determined to be heard. The Advocacy Initiatives Group for Women’s Political Participation (Groupes des Initiatives de Plaidoyer pour la Participation Politique des Femmes, GI3PF), a nonpartisan organization comprising women from all walks of life, is committed to encouraging women’s participation in Mauritanian politics at the local and national levels.

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The women who changed Britain forever

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The women who changed Britain forever

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They transformed British society in little more than a generation – campaigning on everything from equal rights to abortion and apartheid. Today hundreds of the veteran activists from some of Britain's most famous protests, ranging from Greenham Common to the miners' strike, will gather for the first time. The worlds of social campaigning, politics and art come together today in a "Silver Action" event at the Tate Modern, London, where some 400 women campaigners aged over 60 will talk about their work.

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They transformed British society in little more than a generation – campaigning on everything from equal rights to abortion and apartheid. Today hundreds of the veteran activists from some of Britain's most famous protests, ranging from Greenham Common to the miners' strike, will gather for the first time. The worlds of social campaigning, politics and art come together today in a "Silver Action" event at the Tate Modern, London, where some 400 women campaigners aged over 60 will talk about their work.

World News

Women Navigate Political Minefield in Kenya

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Women Navigate Political Minefield in Kenya

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NAIROBI, Jan 25 2013 (IPS) - Few women in Kenya harbour illusions of entering politics. Blatant discrimination, threats and intimidations, an uneven playing field and a largely unsympathetic public have turned electoral politics into a veritable minefield for women hoping to secure top government posts.

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NAIROBI, Jan 25 2013 (IPS) - Few women in Kenya harbour illusions of entering politics. Blatant discrimination, threats and intimidations, an uneven playing field and a largely unsympathetic public have turned electoral politics into a veritable minefield for women hoping to secure top government posts.

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