My Communities

Improving public services and human rights are the big problem which need advocacy work in my country, all the people are suffering from this problem but in today restrictive political context its hard for any NGO to do open advocacy for addressing these problem to motivate the decision maker.

It is very important to contextualise the the advocacy political environment before embarking on any advocacy activity or operation. AS , we have learnt the Instructors Ruth &Rakesh ,its advisable to do pre-screening of where we want to operate, how we want to operate and what we intend to achieve as an ultimate Goal, A closer observation and care will suggest the ways or approach that will sum our strategy, Caution: Don't start any advocacy without the preliminary analysis of the political environment or system to avoid sad outcomes.. DREJIOFOR

i think most of the problems in the community the politicians dont know and most of stakeholders are not interested in advocating for the problems but i think as an advocate you ensure you represent people interest to ensure their well being

Advocacy is community, empathy, and compassion at work. Advocacy is the answer, and the political scene is the dilemma. Advocacy significantly changes how people view the constitution. It addresses the problems and demonstrates solutions. It functions as a coded framework that includes means for protection, justice, and critique: yet, politics functions as a slavery code that regulates the identity of an unidentified cosmological sphere.

I agree. It is extremely important to have clarity for relevance, understanding, and development. The analysis of the issue requires a unique and critical review of the problem to provide a better platform for a solution that includes all stakeholders as well as maintains the integrity of the advocacy for the organization or issue itself.

I think that this is very important. The reason it is is because , what other people looking from the outskirts might think would be imperative for the group as a whole would not necessarily hold as much weight than the people actually on the inside would say.

I think there will debates about this and depending on the side someone on will yield different responses. I wonder if your representative supports this.

This is true. Understanding the context, helps with the advocacy.

Advocacy will do well when stakeholders have a buy-in

This module opened my eyes. I didn't realize there was a lot of context I had to consider. The work you think is help or can reduce problems in society can make you a target depending on the political climate.

This is important as it is only then one is mindful of the approach to take when one is creating measures to bring about change

I have experience with a semi-open political context in Africa(Niger) where Ngo's find advocacy work very difficult. You have be careful legal issues regarding registration , location, staff, and fundraising exercises. The risk of being arrested is very high , so, much caution is needed in other to operate with success.

Exactly, when you think of advocacy, it's hard to think about all that really needs to be considered. Like you mentioned, it's a lot of context and political climate that's dependent on the problems in society.

Advocacy is told complex at first but once start working on its simple if you have good helping environment just to help you all if you’re wondering it’s complicated

Very very essential

Analyzing your surrounding to safeguard yourself and your team is very crucial. That doesn't mean you shouldn't act. We need to act after analysis and build strong advocacy strategy to gain our goals . Analysis the problem statement by tools such as not limited to Problem Tree will facilitate on writing your messages.

Advocacy is the active support of an idea or cause expressed through strategies and methods that influence the opinions and decisions of people and organisations.

In the social and economic development context the aims of advocacy are to create or change policies, laws, regulations, distribution of resources or other decisions that affect people’s lives and to ensure that such decisions lead to implementation.[1] Such advocacy is generally directed at policy makers including politicians, government officials and public servants, but also private sector leaders whose decisions impact upon peoples lives, as well as those whose opinions and actions influence policy makers, such as journalists and the media, development agencies and large NGOs.

By “pro-poor advocacy” we mean advocacy for political decisions and actions that respond to the interests of people who directly face poverty and disadvantage. For those pursuing the goal of equitable and pro-poor ICT access, advocacy as a means to bring about change can be appropriate in a range of circumstances, including:

(a) Where ICT policies could have the effect of reinforcing poverty and discrimination. For example, “e-government” projects that use the internet to improve access to public services may, for those without internet access, have the reverse effect, unless they are complemented by other measures to enable universal access to the internet.

(b) When appropriate ICT policy change could be expected to improve poor people’s lives and livelihoods. For example, the adoption of broadcasting policies that enable community-based organisations to establish their own radio or television services.

(c) As part of a wider programme of support for pro-poor ICT access. For example, the impact and effectiveness of investment in public ICT access centres may be improved by advocacy efforts to adopt and mainstream good practice such as community participation in management or use of free and open source software.

There is much that has been written on advocacy and how to gain influence. Some of the basic tenets of the art of persuasion, found in political science and communication studies, appear also in early Greek and Chinese philosophy.[2] It is widely recognised, for example, that change comes rarely from force of logical argument alone or from the presentation of irrefutable evidence in support of the changes required. The latter is most starkly demonstrated by the slow response to climate change warnings. Much depends on the character, approach and credibility of those seeking change and the receptiveness of those they are seeking to persuade. Advocacy is inherently political and an understanding of political dynamics is at the heart of effective advocacy.

Even the most clear-minded advocacy for pro-poor ICT policies can meet resistance for various reasons, including lack of political will, bureaucratic inertia, and counter arguments from well-resourced interest groups pursuing their own advocacy efforts. Effective advocacy therefore requires research to map out the policy terrain, the principal actors, the political relations and the interests at stake. In the ICT policy field this terrain typically will include government departments, communications regulators, telecommunications service providers, media organisations, sector associations and growing numbers of civil society interest groups. Careful planning and a strategic approach are therefore needed if results are to be achieved.

Policy change rarely happens overnight and is often linked to broader change in the political environment. Effective advocacy requires long-term as well as short-term thinking, an understanding of the points of resistance and the means to gain traction, the readiness to form alliances, and the flexibility to seize windows of opportunity.

This overview describes some of the more commonly used advocacy techniques, from critical engagement such as policy monitoring and policy dialogue, through organised campaigns for policy change, to pathfinder and demonstrator projects that can inform and influence future policy making. It highlights the importance for people facing disadvantage to be able to assert their own needs and interests. It explains step by step how to devise an effective advocacy strategy for ICT policy reform. It is accompanied by case examples and signposting to further tools and resources.

raws from the advocacy research and experience of Amnesty International (1997), Sprechman and Pelton (2001), Wolf (2001), Rose (2005) and IFEX (2005).

advocacy needs to align with the political context and constitutional requirements.
The course will help me evaluate appropriate strategies towards advocacy

In fact we can never fight for a cause, without knowing it's fully background and without think about the path that it's going to take. Knowing what leaded to the situation, the culture and political context can give us the tools that we need in order to try to solve the problem in the best way

"You have to think, in this place in which I am working, what risks does my advocacy work expose myself, my organization and my colleagues to, and how can we mitigate for that?"

This is a very interesting point.

That is an excellent point and something I plan to keep in mind.

I agree with the pinned comment. Having an understanding of both the problem and the solution AND the context of environment is vital. It ties into the last few points that Rakesh made in the audio. It allows you to determine if what you want fits into what is possible (or safe) to pursue, but it also helps determine if the costs associated with the work are justified by the potential benefits - and if those benefits are realistic to assume.

That’s correct. The system or political context really do affect the approach to advocacy.

Political context truly affects the approach to advocacy.

Yes for advocacy we need to know about the context of the society , their culture. norms and values. It is very important to know the root causes of the problem we are facing.

Yes each country or society have their own values , culture and religious sensitivities , therefore, there political context is very important to initiate advocacy to achieve the goals pre described.

Advocacy and political context has proportionate effect on each other, As the political context is, as the distinct strategies of advocacy need to be adopted. The advocacy in open, semi open political context is easy respective to restrictive political context.

I totally agree that is very important how is open or closed regime in the country but also can play a role in the topic with which NGOs deal. For example, NGOs deal with animal protection it is not so politicized and the media will speak openly about this topic but it is not possible to have access to the media if you speak about human rights or sensitive political topics.

Political Context matters not only to start, but also to maintain an advocacy strategy alive. Political instability can be pretty cruel when it comes to the implementation of a strategy; and , therefore, managing a risking plan is pretty important.

I think the country's background is really essential to be figured out when listing the issues that we want to advocate for. The importance of an issue and its impact on the society also matters. For instance, an NGO may define a general problem that is very controversial globally, however, it may not has this huge impart on the society the NGO operating in. Prioritizing the issues that need to be solved in a country then choosing an advocacy tactic for each one of them and applying it in the right timing is the key.

strong agreed, understating context is the first step in advocacy approaches.

Advocacy is a big part of our strategy. We have long realised that we aren't able to make a real change in healthcare if we won't advocate for policy changes and not only for the policy but their implementation and supervision. Find people who are responsible and accountable for the policy implementation and its effectiveness.

Yes, it is imperative to approach the work/problem with inclusivity and an open mind. As an advocate we need to understand that each person's situation may be different from the circumstances you are used or just what you have experienced.

I totally agree with our instructors and getting to know the political context of your place or environment. Some NGOs just see a problem and dive right into finding solutions without first addressing this very key issue. And like some of my colleagues mentioned in their contribution there is no best fit system for all cause even in these ones we've got certain limitations as well. Understanding your organization's goals and objectives, thus what you actually stand for, will help you find and adapt to a system that works best for you.

I agree with this premise, as no two problems have the same solution. It is vital to engage with persons facing these challenges to understand their struggles and boost their involvement in developing advocacy strategies aimed at influencing policy.

Advocacy helps to transform policies and services that affect displaced and stateless people on a national, regional and global level. It is a vital part of our work at UNHCR.

In both countries of asylum and countries of origin, UNHCR works within national political, economic and social structures to bring policies, practices and laws into compliance with international standards.

In times of forced displacement, we use advocacy to influence governments, non-governmental partners and the public at large to adopt practices that ensure the protection of those in need.

Understanding the political context is a very important and basic step toward navigating the risk and having a good understanding of what approach should your organization take and what step it should not, especially in a very restrictive political environment.
I think the advocacy behind the senses and indirect approach would be better suited, rather than moving toward open campaigning and confrontation with restrictive and authoritarian regimes.

Currently, organisations have to be very careful, with the current political climate.

I think you're right, because every environment has its own norms and culture that is unique to it, so I believe advocacy needs to be done with more care and in context to enable us achieve our goal.

It's important to always relate and contextualize advocacy.

It can be tricky as you are trying to advocate you want to be sure not to antagonize.

Analysing the root cause is really important. This gives details information about the causes of any problem. Political environment is also included within the root cause analysis.

I totally agree with you the political context will determine how you you do your advocacy for instance in a a semi- open context you will put in mind the consequences that might arise with being very critical on certain issues and therefore choosing self protection and protection of you organization image.

For successful advocacy strategy, we ought to know the type of context we work in to better know how well to implement and cause change.

Yes! It's very important to understand the kind of context that runs in one country that way NGOs can work more effectively without being bullied by superiors

By analyzing the root causes and addressing the problem at the root we are not just providing a temporary band aid, we are attempting to resolve the problem. Without adding context to the solution, a solution may be completely inappropriate for the situation. Gathering information from people who are directly affected is critical, in that they are living the experience and have a point of view which outsiders may not have access to. An insider can see why some solutions that the outsider proposes may be impractical in their context.

I saw this often while working as a missionary in Honduras. Well meaning people from the US would visit with great ideas, but their solutions were not practical in the Honduran context. They invested a lot of time/money into resources that were not beneficial to anyone. In fact, sometimes they unintentionally exposed "beneficiaries" to more danger.

Understanding and assessing the context in the corner stone of an effective advocacy process. Advocates has to be fully aware of the political context they are working in and they need to adapt their interventions and strategies in coherence with the context.

The importance of government and politics as a piece of contextualizing an NGO (and its mission) cannot be overstated. This will determine virtually all of an organization's practical activities and range of power.
So, it's no surprise to me that a restrictive environment can make NGO work frustrating, difficult, dangerous, and basically impossible.

Context matters, and risks vary enormously when it comes to changemaking. Many of "imported" advocacy solutions are presented as success cases without due contextualisation and assessment. Advocacy strategies need to be critically addresed and, above all, have clear connections with people with lived experience on that specific situation or problem that is trying to be changed. In a complex society and with semi-open government as in Brazil, NGOs are important, and in order not to exacerbate power imbalances, it's important to have a clear connection between NGOs and frontline actors such as social movements and popular leaderships, for instance. Advocacy strategies and tactics work when they are context-relevant and politically sensitive.

Très généralement le contexte détermine la difficulté ou la facilité à percevoir le problème et à le résoudre en raison du degré d'ouverture ou de contrainte des forces politiques, traditionnelle, religieux en place. Une bonne connaissance des parties prenantes facilite la mise en place d'une stratégie adaptée.

the political context of Kenya.

Here are some ways in which the region is marginalized:

1. Political marginalization: The North Eastern region has been neglected in terms of political representation at the national level. The region only has a few members of parliament compared to other regions and this is because of the ongoing voter registration and electoral boundary review processes. This lack of political representation has led to poor governance in the region.

2. Economic marginalization: The North Eastern region is economically impoverished and this can be attributed to the lack of infrastructure and poor leadership. The region is predominantly pastoralist and the presence of drought and famine contribute to the economic suffering of the region’s residents. Commercial activities in the region are also minimal leading to high unemployment rates, poverty and underdevelopment.
   : The region is bordered by Somalia a failed state that is plagued by armed conflicts terrorism and other security threats. Hence the region is vulnerable to Al-Shabaab and other terrorist attacks. The government has failed to provide adequate security in the region contributing to an already volatile security situation.

3. Educational marginalization: Access to quality education is limited in the North Eastern region. Schools are few and far between and most are under-equipped with poor facilities and unqualified teachers. The lack of schools also means that a significant number of children are not receiving formal education. Education is a critical element of development and its absence contributes to the backwardness of the region.

In conclusion the North Eastern region of Kenya has been systematically marginalized neglected and oppressed by past and current governments. To correct this the region ought to be given attention and support in political economic and other crucial

Advocacy is defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others. In relation to politics it creates an equal platform for representation of everyone regardless of ; sex, age, ethnicity /race, social class e.t.c

there is some level of openness in my environment concerning advocacy, it also looks good on paper and in laws but in practice, it falls short. The governments may promise to release their support but in practice they don't at all making very difficult to work freely

While problems may be similar in different parts where we work, the context will make a huge difference in terms of what you do to solve that problem. Understanding of that context is crucial for us to orient ourselves in terms of which is a right advocacy approach to use. This also applies when it comes to the political environment.

I think Advocacy should also start with convincing the stakeholders that a certain norm is not normal and showing them whats normal and the benefits there on.

One of the key aspects of effective advocacy is to tailor the strategies and methods to the specific context and situation. This means that we need to understand the underlying factors and drivers that contribute to the problem we are trying to address, and how they affect different stakeholders and groups. A useful way to do this is to involve the people who are directly impacted by the problem in the analysis and design of the advocacy approach, as they have firsthand knowledge and experience of the challenges and opportunities. By being inclusive and participatory, we can ensure that our advocacy is relevant, responsive and respectful of the diverse perspectives and needs of those we aim to support.

it's so really important to understand political environment for a successive advocacy approach. and this is because by understanding a certain political environment( restrictive, semi-open or open ) approach can be appropriate for a certain advocacy context but not for another .

what stood out for me in this topic is the restrictive context:
and how one has to be extra careful before implementing some laws that are centered around the positive outcomes of an organization.

because of the fear of stepping on toes , getting fired, creating enemity unknownly .

The very prevalent issue of restrictive and semi-open governments poses significant hinderances on the abilities of NGOs to work and actively make change in different countries without fearing imprisonment or worse. I feel that this issue is only becoming worse, where speaking up about the truth and seeking justice is becoming less and less acceptable. Consequently, the growth of fear among all non-governmental parties involved inevitably impacts those most vulnerable, whom we strongly seek to assist and provide a better life for, but are met with inumerable hurdles in attempting to do so.

Nice introduction and indeed I belief, that the context under which each of our organization works highly influences how we solve problems that we face as institutions.

I have not thought about the political context before because my experience in the US, in California, has been one of openness and I have no fear to speak about what our NGO wants. It is interesting to think about what the advocacy process must be like in countries that do not want to hear the opinions of the citizens and, even worse, will possibly hurt them for speaking out.

I advocate at the Capitol in California. Even though I do not worry about being harmed, I do have to take into consideration who I speak to and what I speak to them about because you want to keep a good reputation and everyone talks to each other there. I also want to stay within the guidelines of etiquette required at the Capitol. I have found this is unspoken and unwritten and I have learned it from having a community of like-minded individuals to serve at mentors.

This is a really good example of how we can use advocacy by setting up examples and being like a dictator.

Thank you Instructors for this elaborate lecture.

It is crucial to consider the type of context the system of government is because it informs what missions (problems to address) and strategies to develop and pursue. The political arena is central in decision making as policies of functionality covers laws and regulations on which NGOs are established, and operate, irrespective of the views of other non-political stakeholders. These laws must be adhered to, to avoid going against the law, being sued, or closed. So, it is crucial to identify what problems to advocate for within the state/federal laws to ensure it is worth the effort. Using evidence-based approach may influence policy makers to reevaluate their policy irrespective of contextualization which may foster collaboration with NGOs in addressing problems or challenges in their communities/state or nation that they did not know existed or did not see as a significant public or social issues of concern.

Different issues affect various communities and individuals differently. What might work as an advocacy approach for one group might not be as effective for another. Understanding the social, cultural, economic, and political context in which an issue arises is vital for tailoring advocacy strategies that resonate and have a greater chance of success.

What an eye opener topic to roll out the advocacy foundation. Sure, political context in our countries determine if our advocacy is going to succeed or fail. Most countries work under semi open context environment, and this gives us common platform to share ideas.

The idea of getting to the core problem first before find solutions to it as an advocate is crucial and great starting point.

Am so excited to be part of this a Advocacy community and I look forward to learn more from you guys and equally share mine.

I agree it is important to do research on what the problem is.

Political contexte ist very important in the that the gouvernement determines the the life of population. So if we want to be efficient in our our activities, we have to take this question into account

Advocacy involves the process of influencing public policies, decisions, and attitudes on various social, economic, and political issues. It's a means for citizens, civil society organizations, and interest groups to voice their concerns, promote change, and hold the government accountable. Advocacy in Nigeria covers a wide range of issues, including human rights, corruption, education, health care, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and more.

Advocacy and politics are inherently intertwined, as advocacy seeks to shape political decisions and politics provide the framework within which advocacy operates. While advocacy can bring about positive change, it also requires strategic navigation of political realities and careful consideration of its impact on the democratic process.

Advocacy acts as a catalyst for change, fostering a dynamic relationship between citizens, civil society, and government institutions. It has the potential to drive positive transformations while navigating the intricacies and challenges of the political landscape.

Political advocacy can have a profound impact on shaping public policies and influencing legislative decisions. However, it often involves challenges such as resistance from opposing interest groups, competing policy priorities, and changing political landscapes. Successful advocacy requires strategic thinking, effective communication, a deep understanding of the political process, and a commitment to a cause over the long term.

While listening to the podcast I was thinking of the hidden interests in my context, even though a cause seems to be correct in the political and societal context it is not always good or aligned to the hidden interests of the people that could actually help. Taking the media for example, they must take care of their audiences and to befriends with the advertisers so there are some topics they are not going into not because they are not important, but because they might have a bad impact in their business.

First, identify the problem you are trying to solve and its underlying causes. Second, get a clear understanding of the current social, economic, political, and sometimes geographic or even geopolitical context. Then, choose the advocacy approaches which take into account the context. Third, create an adaptable implementation plan that considers potential changes in the context.

the advocacy is very important in level NGOs, to help the vulnerable community, so some times the political context can effect either positively or negatively and based on the type system that existing in this country

Understanding political context and its importance in advocacy is very important in achieving policy changes on local, state and or federal level.

It is crucial to tackle the underlying issues at the core of the problem we are currently grappling with. Drawing from my professional background, I firmly assert that gaining a comprehensive grasp of the local context, devoid of preconceived biases, is essential for attaining a deeper comprehension of the challenges we seek to address and advocate for. Consequently, prioritizing localization becomes paramount.

Understanding and addressing the root causes of the problem we aim to solve through inclusive advocacy approaches is crucial.

Our environment determine our success

I think the country's background is really essential to be figured out when listing the issues that we want to advocate for. The importance of an issue and its impact on the society also matters. For instance, an NGO may define a general problem that is very controversial globally, however, it may not has this huge impact on the society the NGO operating in. Prioritizing the issues that need to be solved in a country then choosing an advocacy tactic for each one of them and applying it in the right timing is the key.

Je crois que nous ne pouvons le contourner pour un monde efficace et équitable surtout.

Advocacy is a bold step in fighting for the vulnerable, under-pressed persons' rights. Depending on the Political context in your country, one generally needs to trade consciously to achieve the advocacy goal at the same time protect your colleague, yourself and the organization from being attacked by the government.

In my country, advocacy has been majorly hindered by the fact that everything has been politicized and every one is waiting/depending on political players for negotiations, policy implementation and decision making. It’s under such restrictive challenges that most NGOs have been engulfed into either politrix or political battles amongst political players/parties.

I now know where my country falls, semi- open but almost restrictive because NGOs must be careful in their operations. Is there really a count that has a completely open context?

I have a view that certain advocacies might not be so politically sensitive to attract restrictions from the powers that be. Take behavior change advocacy like campaign against drug abuse in a particular community. It might just address awareness of the dangers of this, which could turn away new people from getting involved. Advocacy for advancing the need for education and access to it in a particular community can also thrive outside political sensitivity.
In volatile political environment, advocacy groups would be walking the minefields by engaging in an NGO sponsored advocacies that confront political authorities headlong with a lot of consequences. I think an environmental political scanning could help with the choice of advocacy agenda that could save nine for the advocacy group. My humble perspective. Thanks

I agree!

I feel fortunate to work in a place that is mostly open. Our local government officials are happy to hold meetings with constitutents to hear their ideas and concerns. Our nonprofit has been fortunate to have open conversations in terms of budgeting and funding.

Doing advocacy is really great in places with good social understanding. For my Country is a different case all together. But people are trying to engages in slows pace in it.

taking our political content into consideration help in addressing the issue at hand which we need people to know and have a better understand why we are advocating

Absolutely, it's paramount to emphasize that advocacy should always stem from a clear understanding of the problem at hand rather than jumping straight into crafting strategies. The issues that NGOs typically grapple with are intricately linked to their core missions. They encompass a wide spectrum, ranging from the need for behavior change, like reducing smoking or combating HIV infection, to the imperative of improving public services and preserving shared resources. Additionally, NGOs often confront governance challenges, such as addressing corruption and unfair elections, while also championing the rights and well-being of marginalized groups, whether defined by ethnicity or gender-specific concerns. These problems often intertwine and defy neat categorization. Recognizing where your organization fits within these categories and the specific context it operates in is undoubtedly crucial when devising an effective advocacy approach.

Advocacy is a profound expression of our commitment to positive change. As advocates, we champion important causes, drive awareness, and shape policies that impact our communities and the world. Let's discuss the challenges, responsibilities, and transformative potential that come with being an advocate.

Advocacy is a profound expression of our commitment to positive change. As advocates, we champion important causes, drive awareness, and shape policies that impact our communities and the world. Let's discuss the challenges, responsibilities, and transformative potential that come with being an advocate.

Self-advocacy is the cornerstone of empowering individuals to contribute to NGOs and foster a better society. By recognizing and nurturing our own strengths and passions, we can amplify our impact in supporting nonprofits, catalyzing positive change, and promoting a more just and equitable world. Let's discuss the synergy between self-advocacy and creating a good society through NGO participation.

The essence of meaningful progress lies in our ability to first identify the problem and then determine the most effective approach to tackle it. By addressing this fundamental question, we can ensure that our efforts are not only well-directed but also impactful. Let's delve into the importance of clearly defining the problem and choosing the right path to address it.

The political environment should be given special attention since sometimes beneficiaries might need a certain change which the politicians are not ready to embrace especially in less democratic governments

Advocacy in the Political Landscape
In the realm of politics, advocacy plays a vital role in shaping policies and driving change. It encompasses various strategies and actions taken by individuals or organizations to influence decision-making processes and promote specific causes. With its profound impact on the political context, advocacy can be seen as a powerful tool for addressing societal issues and advancing positive transformations.

Advocacy serves as a platform for individuals or groups to voice their concerns, express their opinions, and champion their preferred agendas. Through this process, advocates aim to persuade policymakers, lawmakers, and other influential figures to support their cause and take action accordingly. This can be achieved through a range of activities, such as lobbying, public campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and engaging with the media.

One of the fundamental aspects of advocacy is its ability to bridge the gap between citizens and the political sphere. By providing a platform for individuals to express their needs and aspirations, advocacy ensures that the voices of the marginalized and underrepresented are heard. It empowers individuals to participate actively in the decision-making processes that directly impact their lives, fostering a more inclusive and democratic society.

Advocacy also plays a critical role in holding policymakers accountable for their actions and decisions. By closely monitoring government activities and policies, advocates can identify areas of concern, inconsistencies, or potential injustices. Through raising awareness, conducting research, and gathering evidence, advocates can effectively challenge these issues and push for policy reforms that better align with societal needs and values.

Furthermore, advocacy serves as a catalyst for change by mobilizing public support and generating momentum for transformative action. By engaging with communities and fostering dialogue, advocates can rally individuals around a common cause, creating a sense of urgency and collective responsibility. This collective action can exert significant pressure on policymakers, forcing them to address critical issues and implement necessary reforms.

However, advocacy in the political context can also face challenges and obstacles. Varying interests, competing priorities, and conflicting ideologies can hinder the progress of advocacy efforts. Additionally, the influence of powerful interest groups or the manipulation of public opinion can pose significant barriers to achieving desired outcomes.

In conclusion, advocacy is an essential component of the political landscape. It empowers individuals, amplifies their voices, and bolsters democratic processes. By engaging in advocacy, individuals and organizations can shape policies, address societal concerns, and work towards a more equitable and just society.

I agree that it is essential to understand all aspects of the problem in order to create effective solutions.

Yes very important to take such considerations

Before coming up with an advocacy in a given set up,you need to understand the political environment. This will help in coming up with the right approach or tactic to address the problem.

Your statement highlights a crucial aspect of advocacy – the need to understand and address the root causes of the issues at hand. Being inclusive and directly engaging with those affected by the problem is indeed a powerful approach. It ensures that advocacy efforts are grounded in real experiences and challenges. Additionally, by delving into the political context, advocates can tailor their strategies to navigate the specific challenges they may face. This nuanced understanding ultimately strengthens the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives. Well-articulated!

Children with Disabilities particularly children with Cerebral Palsy have limited access to healthcare services in Nigeria, resulting in adverse socio-economic outcomes and higher rates of poverty than the general population. They also encounter attitudinal and environmental barriers that hinder their equal and effective contribution to society. In Nigeria, there are over 29 million people living with disabilities, and it is estimated that nine out of ten Nigerians with disabilities live in poverty. However, Children with disabilities are one of the most marginalized and excluded groups in society, and oftentimes their issues are not prioritized in governments policies and programs. Facing daily discrimination in the form of negative attitudes, lack of adequate policies and legislation, they are effectively barred from realizing their rights to healthcare, education, and even survival. Children with on-set childhood disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, dawn syndrome and other medical complexities arising from circumstances of birth should not be denied the right to access health care services guaranteed by law.

Even though Nigeria signed and ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and further adopted the law prohibiting Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, in 2018. Yet, children with disabilities and their families often face pity and stigma. Discrimination reduces access to many aspects of life including education, health and work. Many discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities are entrenched and sustained by religion and cultural beliefs. Women with disabilities may encounter more obstacles than men. Children with disabilities may also face negative perceptions and resulting unfair treatment. Disabilities are often believed to be related to curses; ancestral violations; offenses against gods of the land; breaking laws and family sins; misfortune; witches and wizards; adultery; a warning from the gods of the land; societal taboos; misdeed in a previous life; illegal or unapproved marriage; evil spirits; and many others.

There is need to address the discrimination and harmful practices and abuse of fundamental human rights of children with disabilities. In Abuja particularly there is high cases of killing of children with cerebral palsy remain on the increase, and therefore called for drastic action by government to protect such children’s rights. Medical service and care for children with disabilities particularly cerebral palsy requires considerable resources and time. To manage and cope with a child ‘s functional limitation and possible life- long dependence presents a multifaceted challenge for parents as well as the entire family. Studies showed that parents of such children experience tension and struggle especially the mothers who has to be with this child most of the time providing care. Mothers of such children are overwhelmed with the caring responsibilities, some of them left even their formal employment to stay home with their disabled children.

One of the major hindrances to access to primary health care for children and young people with disabilities is the slow implementation of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (prohibition) Act. After years of signing the bill into law, Nigeria is yet to fully implement the appropriate measures required to achieve the objective of protecting people with disabilities particularly children and young people. Nigerians with health insurance provided by social security is 1.4 percent for persons with disabilities (2.9 percent for females, 0 percent for males), compared to 2.4 percent for persons without disabilities (1.7 percent for females, 3.1 percent for males). few state governments provide income support for older people and persons with disabilities. In general, there social protection for people with disabilities in Nigeria is regarded as ineffective, despite multiple programmes being funded and implemented across the country by numerous donors, non-government organisations, and agencies. In general, social protection programmes are uncoordinated, fragmented and inefficient.

The political setting determines the kind of advocacy to be carried out.

The political setting determines the kind of advocacy to be carried out.