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Influencing Change: Gender Advocacy And Public Policy Campaigns Training Course in Comoros

Introduction

Effective gender advocacy is crucial for translating principles of equality into tangible change, and this often hinges on successful public policy campaigns. While recognizing and discussing gender disparities is a vital first step, influencing policy requires strategic planning, compelling communication, and concerted action to engage decision-makers and mobilize public support. Gender inequality is deeply entrenched in legal frameworks, institutional practices, and resource allocation, making targeted advocacy essential to dismantle discriminatory structures and promote inclusive governance. Understanding the policy-making process, identifying leverage points, and building broad coalitions are fundamental skills for anyone committed to advancing gender equality through systemic transformation. This essential training course focuses on Gender Advocacy and Public Policy Campaigns, equipping participants to drive legislative and policy reforms.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip gender equality advocates, civil society organizations, policymakers, community leaders, communications professionals, and legal practitioners with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to design, implement, and evaluate effective gender advocacy and public policy campaigns. Participants will gain a deep understanding of policy analysis from a gender perspective, learn to craft persuasive policy briefs and messages, and explore strategies for engaging diverse stakeholders, from grassroots communities to high-level decision-makers. The course will delve into topics such as power analysis and stakeholder mapping, strategic communication for policy change, media engagement, grassroots mobilization, coalition building, and monitoring and evaluation of advocacy impact. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Gender Advocacy and Public Policy Campaigns, participants will be empowered to influence policy agendas, secure legislative reforms, and contribute to a more gender-just society.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

  • Gender Equality Advocates and Activists
  • Civil Society Organization (CSO) Staff (Advocacy, Policy, Communications)
  • Policymakers and Parliamentarians
  • Government Officials (Gender, Social Welfare, Planning Ministries)
  • Community Leaders and Grassroots Mobilizers
  • Communications and Public Relations Professionals
  • Legal Professionals interested in gender law reform
  • Researchers in Gender Studies and Public Policy
  • International Development Practitioners
  • Youth Leaders and Emerging Advocates

Course Objectives

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of gender advocacy and its role in policy change.
  • Analyze the public policy-making process from a gender perspective, identifying entry points.
  • Learn to conduct a gender-sensitive power and stakeholder analysis for advocacy.
  • Acquire skills in framing policy issues and developing compelling advocacy messages.
  • Explore strategies for engaging with policymakers and legislative bodies.
  • Comprehend the importance of media relations and strategic communication in public campaigns.
  • Identify methods for grassroots mobilization and coalition building for collective impact.
  • Understand approaches to monitoring and evaluating the impact of advocacy campaigns.
  • Examine global best practices and successful case studies of gender policy campaigns.
  • Develop a practical gender advocacy campaign plan for a specific policy issue.
  • Enhance negotiation, lobbying, and public speaking skills for effective advocacy.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Gender Advocacy and Public Policy

  • Defining advocacy, public policy, and their intersection with gender equality.
  • The importance of gender-responsive policies for achieving sustainable development.
  • Understanding the policy cycle and key decision-making bodies.
  • Identifying policy gaps and discriminatory legal frameworks.
  • Ethical considerations in gender advocacy: accountability, representation, and "Do No Harm."

Module 2: Policy Analysis from a Gender Perspective

  • Tools for conducting gender analysis of existing policies and proposed legislation.
  • Identifying gender biases in policy language, implementation, and impact.
  • Analyzing the differential effects of policies on women, men, and gender-diverse groups.
  • Using data and evidence to support gender-sensitive policy recommendations.
  • Developing gender-responsive policy briefs and position papers.

Module 3: Power Analysis and Stakeholder Mapping for Advocacy

  • Understanding power dynamics in policy-making processes.
  • Identifying key stakeholders: decision-makers, influencers, allies, and opponents.
  • Tools for mapping power relations and influence networks.
  • Strategies for engaging diverse stakeholders, including marginalized groups.
  • Building consensus and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships.

Module 4: Crafting Compelling Advocacy Messages and Narratives

  • The art of framing: presenting gender issues in a way that resonates with target audiences.
  • Developing clear, concise, and persuasive messages for various platforms.
  • Utilizing storytelling, data, and human impact narratives to create emotional connection.
  • Tailoring messages for different audiences: policymakers, media, public, communities.
  • Message testing and refinement.

Module 5: Strategies for Engaging Policymakers and Legislators

  • Understanding parliamentary processes and legislative procedures.
  • Effective lobbying techniques: meetings, submissions, informal engagement.
  • Building relationships with elected officials and civil servants.
  • Strategies for influencing policy debates and committee hearings.
  • Developing policy asks and legislative proposals.

Module 6: Media Relations and Strategic Communication Campaigns

  • Developing a media strategy for gender advocacy campaigns.
  • Engaging with journalists, editors, and media outlets.
  • Crafting compelling press releases, opinion pieces, and media advisories.
  • Utilizing traditional media (print, radio, TV) and digital media for maximum reach.
  • Responding to negative narratives and managing public perception.

Module 7: Grassroots Mobilization and Coalition Building

  • The power of collective action: organizing and mobilizing communities for policy change.
  • Strategies for engaging grassroots activists and local leaders.
  • Building diverse and inclusive coalitions and alliances for broader impact.
  • Developing common agendas and coordinated advocacy efforts.
  • Managing internal dynamics and ensuring equitable representation within coalitions.

Module 8: Digital Advocacy and Social Media for Policy Influence

  • Leveraging social media platforms (e.g., X, Facebook, Instagram) for policy advocacy.
  • Designing online campaigns: hashtags, petitions, viral content.
  • Utilizing digital tools for public outreach and community engagement.
  • Online storytelling and multimedia content creation for policy messaging.
  • Digital security and safety considerations for advocates.

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability in Advocacy

  • Developing indicators for measuring advocacy outputs, outcomes, and impact.
  • Tools and methodologies for tracking policy change and shifts in public discourse.
  • Documenting successes, challenges, and lessons learned from campaigns.
  • Adapting strategies based on real-time feedback and political developments.
  • Ensuring the sustainability of advocacy efforts and building long-term movements for gender equality.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.orgtraining@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.orgtraining@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training

Course Schedule
Dates Fees Location Apply
04/08/2025 - 08/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
11/08/2025 - 15/08/2025 $1750 Mombasa, Kenya
11/08/2025 - 15/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
18/08/2025 - 22/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
25/08/2025 - 29/08/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
01/09/2025 - 05/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
08/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 $3500 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
08/09/2025 - 12/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
15/09/2025 - 19/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
22/09/2025 - 26/09/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
06/10/2025 - 10/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 $3000 Kigali, Rwanda
13/10/2025 - 17/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
20/10/2025 - 24/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
27/10/2025 - 31/10/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
03/11/2025 - 07/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 $1750 Mombasa, Kenya
10/11/2025 - 14/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
17/11/2025 - 21/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
24/11/2025 - 28/11/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
01/12/2025 - 05/12/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
08/12/2025 - 12/12/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
15/12/2025 - 19/12/2025 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
05/01/2026 - 09/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
12/01/2026 - 16/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
19/01/2026 - 23/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
26/01/2026 - 30/01/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
02/02/2026 - 06/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
09/02/2026 - 13/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
23/02/2026 - 27/02/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
02/03/2026 - 06/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
09/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 $3000 Kigali, Rwanda
09/03/2026 - 13/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
16/03/2026 - 20/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
23/03/2026 - 27/03/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
06/04/2026 - 10/04/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 $1750 Mombasa, Kenya
13/04/2026 - 17/04/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
20/04/2026 - 24/04/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
04/05/2026 - 08/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
11/05/2026 - 15/05/2026 $4500 Dubai, UAE
11/05/2026 - 15/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
18/05/2026 - 22/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya
25/05/2026 - 29/05/2026 $1500 Nairobi, Kenya