The Western Balkans and Eastern Europe are confronted with many development challenges that require close collaboration and meaningful dialogue between government, the private sector and civil society. To promote this exchange, the Regional Advocacy Network acts as a knowledge broker. …

The problem of gender-based violence in the Eastern Europe media Gender parity is not recovering. According to the Global Gender Gap Report (2022), it will take another 132 years to close the global gender gap. As crises compound, women’s workforce outcomes are…

Experience has taught development experts that advocacy cannot succeed as a one-person show. Membership associations and networks are an engine to make advocacy work. Allies and partners are needed to drive support for a multitude of issues, build broader legitimacy,…

Performance-based systems are goal-oriented approaches focusing on results rather than inputs, aiming to improve public administration practices. Implementing these systems requires careful consideration of incentives, risks, and stakeholder participation. Our experience with the Decentralization and Municipal Support (DEMOS) project in…

The lines between influencers and leaders are increasingly blurred – a phenomenon that has been accentuated by digitalization. In pre-social times the word leader represented people with charisma and resilience, who could impact or motivate communities through their influence. Leaders…

Advocacy is “the deliberate process of influencing decisions within political, economic and social systems and institutions with the aim of making policies and processes more just, inclusive and pro-poor” (Helvetas Advocacy Concept). In this case study, we delve into the…

The opinion formation process can be discouraging, as we often cling to our beliefs even when we know we might be wrong. Instead of being guided by analysis, evidence, and intelligence, our opinions can be shaped by incompetence, overestimating our…

From smartphones to social media, the digital has become the primary avenue for communication and interaction in today’s world. Eighty-four per cent of Europeans report having a smartphone and most people report spending more than six hours per day online…

A theory of change In advocacy, where the objective is to influence those in power within a rapidly evolving and dynamic environment, a theory of change or future story plays a pivotal role. It serves as a roadmap, outlining the…

Pursuing change drives advocacy, but understanding where to start can be challenging. When faced with a problem, we may believe we know the solutions, yet we navigate within highly complex systems where diverse actors hold varying perspectives and pursue their…