The failure of externally-driven advocacy initiatives to contextualise sub-Saharan "marginalised women". Issue 2 (17th February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bedigen, Winnie; Mdee, Anna; Temlong, Rinmicit; Thorley, Lisa; Tshomba, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Development in practice. Volume 31:Issue 2(2021)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 267
• Publication Date: 2021-02-17
• Subjects: Gender and diversity – Disability -- Rights -- Civil society – NGOs -- Labour and livelihoods – Poverty reduction -- Sub-Saharan Africa; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.91091724
• DOI: 10.1080/09614524.2020.1836129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-4524

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper challenges the assumptions and practices of many externally-driven women's advocacy initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa. It examines much misunderstood concepts (advocacy, agency and empowerment) and highlights how their constructions are fundamentally flawed. It draws conclusions from advocacy training for women conducted by an international NGO in Nigeria and DRC. Illiteracy, poverty and unequal access to and control over resources all constitute barriers to advocacy. The study highlights the ineffectiveness of externally driven advocacy initiatives delivered through training events. It suggests that more nuanced and context-appropriate processes of change will more effectively identify and challenge structures of oppression.