Advocacy.

• Position: ADVOCACY KIT: SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

What is Advocacy?

Advocacy is about influencing those who make decisions and is geared towards change: change in personal behaviour and attitude, change in the political and public debate, institutional change and legal change. Advocacy is the effort to change public perceptions and influence policy decisions and funding priorities. Advocacy involves making a case in favor of a particular issue, using skillful persuasion and strategic action. Advocates educate about an issue and suggest a specific solution.

Advocacy is not restricted to those policy makers who work for the government. There are policy makers who work for the private sector, and who wield enormous influence over poor communities. It is important to keep in mind that policy makers are always human beings, not institutions. Advocacy is used to influence the choices and actions of those who make laws and regulations, and those who distribute resources and make other decisions that affect the well-being of many people.

Why Advocate for SRHR?

Advocating for reproductive and sexual health arises from the recognition that: reproductive and sexual health problems are caused by decisions made at the household level and from decisions made within community leadership structures, national legislatures, international organizations, and powerful institutions.

Effective advocacy strategies will therefore:

* influence policy makers as a means of addressing policy root causes of sexual and reproductive health needs and problems.

* contribute more effectively to reducing and preventing deaths and suffering by using a wider range of interventions.

* reach a large segment of the population and broaden the scope of their impact.

Where can you Advocate?

Advocacy can take place within your organization, school, or local community, at the national government level, at a regional intergovernmental body, or in international venues. When initiating an advocacy activity, it is important to make strategic choices about where to direct your energies and to look for strategic entry points. In some cases, it is...