The failure of externally-driven advocacy initiatives to contextualise sub-Saharan “marginalised women”

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.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender and diversity – Disability
• Rights
• Civil society – NGOs
• Labour and livelihoods – Poverty reduction
• Sub-Saharan Africa

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Winnie Bedigen

Winnie Bedigen is a Teaching Fellow at the University of Leeds, teaching global development modules at both undergraduate and masters levels. Her research interests focus on how peace and development can be understood in the context of African cultures, particularly South Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

Anna Mdee

Anna Mdee is now Professor in the Politics of Global Development at the University of Leeds. She is an anthropologist, whose research focuses on the politics and dynamics of aid and development practice, local governance and livelihoods.

Rinmicit Temlong

Rinmicit Temlong is a researcher and development practitioner. Her areas of interest are gender, climate change, conflict and education. She holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies, and is the founder and Executive Director of We Unite Foundation.

Lisa Thorley

Lisa Thorley is Teaching Fellow in Development Practice and Global Development at the University of Leeds. She is also a practitioner and undertakes evaluations on issues that pertain to women, specially health and livelihoods. Her work is primarily on Uganda.

Patricia Tshomba

Patricia Tshomba is a freelance social development consultant specialising in gender, governance, and entrepreneurship in sub-Saharan Africa. She is also an agricultural entrepreneur in the Democratic Republic of Congo.