Advocacy and Networking

Advocacy is a broad term generally used to describe efforts to change power structures and the balance of power, and to influence those in power to use power in a different way. Work in advocacy can be carried out at many levels, beginning from the grassroots, to national and regional efforts and onto international and global levels.Advocacy and human rights issues, including a rights-based approach to development are closely related.

Advocacy and networking is a complementary development approach taken by LWF Nepal to enable the poor and oppressed groups to raise their voices, assert their rights and seek justice both at the local and higher levels. Caste discrimination and life with dignity will continue to receive priority under advocacy activities.

LWF Nepal's advocacy efforts are primarily focused on disadvantaged people who are the victims of discrimination—primarily Dalits (untouchables), freed Kamaiyas (former bonded labourers), Bhutanese refugees, Haliyas (a type of bonded labourers), ethnic minority groups and socially disadvantaged women.

The organisation’s advocacy and networking strategy supports its empowerment, relief and rehabilitation projects to promote policy change, including those affecting the attitudes and practices of local and national decision-makers.