A TOOLKIT FOR GENDER ADVOCACY

Abstract

This toolkit was prepared by Joanna Richards, a PhD student at the University of Canberra.
Joanna Richards prepared the kit while seconded to the office of Andrew Leigh MP.
Many people assisted with the Gender Equity Advocacy Project.

If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of women by advocating directly to parliamentarians, then this kit is for you. The advice and information you’ll find here are drawn from the wisdom and experiences of parliamentarians and advocates. This is a collection of practical tips and policy-building advice that will help you shape policy for the better. Lobbying is a type of advocacy that aims to influence the decisions made by Parliament through direct appeals to politicians. If you feel an issue should be brought to the attention of the Australian Parliament, you can lobby as an individual or as part of an organisation. Don’t let the size or complexity of the parliamentary system discourage you, politicians can’t act on behalf of your interests if they don’t know what they are.