There is Need to Strengthen Advocacy For Greater Impact

By Beatrice Mujuni

Much as the universe has diverse groups of people with different beliefs and lifestyles, we are united in one way or another by what affects us. And for this reason, we have the 17 global goals set for collaboration to put an end to inequities, re-evaluate approaches to life and ascertain the resources we have in order to create positive change.

Each one of us definitely has one, two or more issues that affect us directly or indirectly, in line with health, education, poverty, gender equality, decent work, climate change among others. And depending on how these issues affect us, we hold certain conviction and are propelled to take action consciously or even unconsciously.

Usually, our actions and sense of responsibility towards issues that affect us or the people around us are a result of what we have experienced, heard or what the general perception of an issue in society is, which ultimately stems from advocacy. 

Advocacy is an activity by an individual or group that aims to influence decisions within social, economic and political institutions. It is basically any action that speaks in favour of, recommends and argues for a cause.

In practice, advocacy actually goes beyond its general definition and is an extremely vital element in creating change. In a huge way, advocacy, forms, defines and positions opinions in society more than we can imagine. It is a powerful driver of change.

Isn’t this a good thing? You may wonder, well, most definitely, and for this reason, advocacy must be done prudently with a meticulous strategy in whatever sphere. Dig deep, take a moment to answer these questions. Why are you advocating for this change? Who will benefit from this change? What steps must you take to achieve this change? Have you made adequate research and consultation to address the real underlying issue? How inclusive is your advocacy approach in terms of reach and representation?

For decades, individuals, local and international institutions have come together to solve global issues through advocacy to achieve global prosperity. A case in point is SDG One ‘No Poverty’ According to the World Bank, since 1999, the number of people living in poverty world-wide had fallen by more than 1billion people, which was a great success. But unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has taken this progress many steps back with the number of people living in poverty increasing for the first time in 20 years by a whopping 120million people. Experts predict that this total is expected to hit about 150million people by the end of 2021. To top this off, research by the United Nations reveals that over 100million people could slip back into poverty by 2030 due to climate change.

Current stats on various global issues are appalling and have fuelled great enthusiasm for immediate action. But passion alone is not entirely enough, as a Change-maker/Advocate you must go the extra mile to listen, learn, unlearn, lead and serve following the general principles of advocacy including clarity of purpose, safeguarding, equality and diversity, confidentiality and empowerment.

Grassroot change is still lacking in so many communities within countries all over the world, majorly because, minority opinions are not fully represented in policy frameworks. There is need to broaden the platform for advocacy to allow more inclusive representation of voices at all levels. Basically, advocacy should lean more on empowering and supporting individuals and institutions with the tools to speak from their experiences now more than ever. We need more voices, and renewed action. We must not get consumed by wanting to create change fast but instead be guided and inspired by the process to scratch deeper than the surface of societal and global issues.

As we thrive to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, we must reflect, be more intentional and strategic in our methods to leave no one behind. While we act-lets also empower, while we inform-let’s also listen and learn. This way, we strengthen systems from the core and create a vision that precedes us and a legacy of a world that is a reflection of the desired change.

Let’s advance together for impactful advocacy!

Beatrice Mujuni is a Communications, Policy and Advocacy Practitioner