POLICY ADVOCACY
Policy advocacy
Policy advocacy influences decisions within social, economic, political and institutional systems. It makes use of multiple targeted actions directed at changing policies, positions or programs. Policy advocacy seeks to establish new policies, modify existing policies and challenge legislations that affect particular individuals or groups. It plays a vital role in establishing social justice and good governance which are essential components of comprehensive development. There are several types of stakeholders involved in policy advocacy process. These include government, civil society organizations (e.g. non-government organizations and non-profit organizations), media and affected community. With a view to protecting the interests and rights of disadvantaged people, CDA has a plan to:
- Lobby government to adopt or amend laws/policies;
- Provide input on laws/policies through research and dialogues with communities;
- Assist government to implement laws/policies;
- Provide evidence to government why laws/policies are not being implemented;
- Present the needs and concerns of marginalized groups of people to government