Campaigns to End Violence against Women and Girls - Virtual ...

*Items 4 and 6 can be omitted if the policy brief is sufficiently compelling without
detailing other policy options and providing additional documentation.
� Tailored to your audience: Different types of readers have different perspectives. If
you do not catch the reader’s attention and affinity in the first paragraph, your brief
won’t be read. For example, if your aim is to convince the Interior Ministry to train
police in appropriate conduct in domestic violence (DV) cases, it seems appropriate
to present DV as a security concern and cite the police’s mandate to effectively
prevent and punish crime.
� Evidence-based: quote credible evidence (e.g. data, research reports, personal
testimonies) to show that the problem needs to be addressed and that the actions
you propose are likely to improve the situation. Make sure the facts you quote are
accurate.
Bear in mind:
� The policy brief is a central document in institutional change campaigns. Prepare it
with utmost care and keep copies ready for distribution at all times. Ensure ethical
principles are fully observed.
� Share it with your target audience, your constituency, media workers and anyone
who is likely to use it for your cause.
A good example for a concise policy brief (Gomez, J., Combating Gender-based
Violence: Legislative Strategies) has been produced by the Initiative for Inclusive
Security to propose legislative measures against gender-based violence in post-conflict
settings.
TOOL:
� International Policy Fellowships offers a three-page guide on writing policy briefs
(in English).
Model Policies and Research Reports for Advocacy
Model policies
Model policies provide guidance for politicians and institutional decision-makers on how
to translate your campaign goal into reality. Model policies can be good complements to
policy briefs, going a step further to illustrate just how policy recommendations could be
translated into new or amended actual policies.
Why use model policies?
� Developing alternative policy solutions enables campaigners to lead debates, rather
than just react to government proposals.
� A policy proposal may be a key step towards a cooperative, productive relationship
with policy makers.
� Institutions that are not specialized in VAW and gender issues may need competent
advice.
� Agreeing on a well-defined policy or proposition of change clarifies and focuses your
campaign.
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Campaigns December 2011