What is advocacy? And why is it important for women’s rights?

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Hi John,

For many of us, advocacy can feel out of our reach. Like something for the world’s elite and has little impact on our day-to-day lives. But in truth advocacy is more closely linked to our everyday lives than we might imagine.

What does advocacy mean?
Advocacy means a person, group, or organisation supporting someone to get their voice heard or their rights recognised. Advocacy influences the policies, laws, attitudes and behaviours that make up our societies. It impacts everything, from how we work, our living conditions, and even who we can love.

Simply put, advocacy shapes the world we live in.

But women’s rights activists are often excluded from advocacy spaces where decisions are made, such as international conferences or meetings with government officials. Women’s rights activists understand the issues facing women and girls in their communities. If they are not involved in decision-making, their knowledge, experience and expertise falls through the cracks.

Supporting women to get their voices heard!
Funding is one of the biggest challenges for women’s rights organisations, so we've launched Her Voice Fund ([link removed]) – an initiative to fund organisations and activists in the Global South to take part in crucial advocacy work. The fund will have a particular focus on working with women who face multiple discriminations, such as LBTQI+ groups or women with disabilities. It will support organisations to influence policy at local, national, regional, and international levels.

“When you fund advocacy at all levels you’re going to have that permanent change, you’re going to have people that can hold others accountable.”
- Jane, Polycom Development Project

Thanks to your support, we’ve already been able to fund partners like Polycom Development Project to attend key advocacy spaces. Her Voice Fund has supported Executive Director of Polycom, Jane Anyango (pictured above) to mobilise young feminists in informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya and lobby the government on issues affecting women and girls with disabilities. Read more here ([link removed]) .

Now more than ever, diverse and resilient women’s rights organisations are key to securing a more equal future. We're proud to support our partners on this journey and hope you are too, John.

In solidarity,

Hannah Little
Supporter Care Team
Womankind Worldwide
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