Advocacy work

Representing interests in dialogue with important actors from government and politics, justice, business and society

The term ‘advocacy’ refers to individuals, institutions and organisations using their voice to raise awareness of the interests of disadvantaged groups. The aim is to draw the attention of actors from politics, business, the judiciary and civil society to these groups’ grievances and to encourage them to act in the interests of those groups. This advocacy has to be based on trust, credibility and common aims, and it should not deprive those groups of their own voice or power to take decisions.

Example: Women’s rights

In patriarchal systems, the voices of women and other marginalised groups are suppressed. So advocacy forms an important part of the work of medica mondiale.

• We draw attention to the rights of women and girls.
• We make violations of the law visible.
• We educate politicians and employees of other organisations about sexualised violence in war.
• We promote the public discussion of sexualised violence against women in war-torn and post-war societies.
• We demand practical action to end the violence.

Updated: 10/2023