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.
On a cold Monday morning in June, some 50 women from various political backgrounds gathered in this Argentine port city to talk about gender roles inside the home.
Tunisian women are rising up against a proposed article in the new constitution seen by many as an Islamist ploy to reverse the principle of gender equality that made Tunisia a beacon of modernity in the Arab world when it was introduced six decades ago.
The End Violence Against Women & Girls (EVAW/G) Alliance August 6 put forth a charter of demand (COD) to the Pakistani government to protect, promote and sustain the rights of women and girls, with particular focus on woman NGO workers and women’s rights activists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and th
IFES has produced a handbook to serve as a tool for advocates of women’s rights and gender equality in Afghanistan, as well as Women of Influence. Women of Influence are those who pursue information about candidates’ policies and programs, engage candidates on topics of importance to women,
IFES has produced a handbook to serve as a tool for advocates of women’s rights and gender equality in Afghanistan, as well as Women of Influence. Women of Influence are those who pursue information about candidates’ policies and programs, engage candidates on topics of importance to women,
Beatrice Boateng, a member of parliament with the New Patriotic Party, Ghana’s official opposition to the ruling New Democratic Congress, has earned her place among the country’s lawmakers. As she takes her seat in parliament, she does so having overcoming the numerous obstacles that face al
Buenos Aires recently established a new body within the city legislature to handle bills that address women’s issues. Called the Parlamento de Mujeres, it comprises dozens of organizations that fight for women’s rights.
India has an impressive record of women’s participation in politics and the success of panchayats has often been referred to as a ‘silent revolution’ within the democratic decentralisation process, a senior US diplomat said here on Friday.
The Trust Women Conference is about making connections that make a difference.
In accepting the Nobel Peace Prize last year, Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman thanked women of the Arab world for her medal. Without their struggle to win equal rights, she would not be there, she said.