Policy Advocacy Toolkit

This policy advocacy toolkit was developed to assist African civil society organisations to effectively contribute to the development and implementation of public policy for social justice and gender equality or to challenge proposed laws and policies that undermine gender equality and human rights. It outlines policy advocacy strategies that can be used to influence policy processes, especially those that are counter to the principles of democracy, gender equality and human rights.

This toolkit provides definitions of advocacy and policy advocacy; identifies key players in the production of policy; provides a step-by-step guide on how to successfully advocate, including examples of advocacy strategies that can be used, as well as a detailed case study example; discusses the use of the MenEngage Africa policy report series and policy advocacy work with regional economic communities; and provides a list of resources, including their web addresses. It targets organisations that work with men and boys for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.

In addition, it can be used to support advocacy on a variety of topics. The resources provided within this toolkit specifically address issues related to the achievement of gender equality; the prevention of HIV and AIDS and gender-based violence; the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights; as well as involved parenting and the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people.