Before starting any VAWG programme, it is important to identify key allies and influential champions across government and political parties. In cases where there is not already strong political will to address VAWG, it may be necessary to make the moral and economic case for urgent action (see page on how to make the case to invest in ending VAWG).

While it is important to work with existing government departments tasked with addressing VAWG and gender inequalities, it can also be useful to recognise that gender ministries often have limited influence and resources. It is therefore useful to also engage with other government ministries, particularly those ministries that make key decisions around budgets. For example, Spotlight Initiative has often included the Ministry of Finance and/or Planning as programme co-chairs to ensure that VAWG is prioritised within broader national development plans.  

Lastly, anticipate potential challenges arising from national elections, by proactively identifying champions across political parties and government entities to ensure sustained support for any programme.

Successful partnerships with national governments involve building trust and establishing open communication channels. The programme may be directly funded by the government, or the government may be a key stakeholder in coordination and/or implementation.

To build relationships and create allies, it is critical to understand the values, perspectives, and mandates of government counterparts at various levels – some may be more or less likely to address discrimination and violence against women and girls. Establishing an internal point of contact in key government agencies, with sufficient authority to respond promptly and make decisions, can help with communication and implementation throughout the programme lifecycle. It can also be useful to agree on regular reviews and establish a Memorandum of Understanding.

Training and ongoing capacity development support can help equip policymakers and public administration employees with the knowledge and skills they need to design and implement gender equality strategies, gender-responsive budgeting, national action plans, and multi-sectoral programmes to end VAWG. Partnering with women’s rights organisations to deliver this training and capacity building can be a good approach, although a careful risk analysis is important to ensure that it is safe, appropriate and feasible to do so.

When healthy partnerships have been established with national governments, it is important to facilitate ongoing forums and spaces for dialogue on the importance and benefits of supporting women’s rights and civil society organisations, activists and human rights organisations. This needs to be done based on careful political analysis of the context and existing government - civil society relationships.

In contexts where governments are not fulfilling their duties, engaging local women’s organisations in coordination structures is important to advance local efforts and demonstrate solidarity so long as this does not cause them to be targeted.

Read more on page about how to support EVAWG coalition building

Supporting changes in national policies and laws involves navigating complex challenges. To determine an effective advocacy strategy, it is important to begin with an assessment of these challenges and to develop possible mitigating measures. The process should also include gathering data and evidence to make the case to invest in EVAWG and identifying key contacts in government to engage with and considering how best to engage them. An advocacy strategy can include objectives and strategies on:

• The adoption, strengthening and reform of laws and policies that criminalise VAWG and harmful practices, address emerging forms of violence, and promote gender equality. 
• Budget allocations and gender-responsive budgeting to ensure the implementation of laws and policies.
• The engagement of law and policymakers with women and girls, including survivors and marginalised groups, to strengthen their voices and agency by creating inclusive and safe spaces during consultation processes.
• Enhancing accountability in the implementation and monitoring of laws and policies.
• Strengthening national data on VAWG to justify and support policy and law development.

Check out the Laws, Policies and Institutions section for more information.

When engaging with national governments, think about how to influence national priorities and/or development goals so that programmes have long-term impact and sustainability. This could include collaborative solutions to share costs or mobilise resources from other sources. It can also be useful to explore options to scale up interventions by integrating them into existing government structures, for example, a school-based programme could be integrated into national education systems. There may also be opportunities to align programmes with national policies or National Action Plans.