Communication & Advocacy

Communications are exchanges of information, including through audio and visual mediums. In the SRHR space, it is important for communications to be clear, reliable and accessible. Advocacy is an activity in which an individual or group tries to influence decisions from within a political or social system or institution. Advocacy can take on many forms and has many components, including publishing research, formal and informal mobilization and engagement with stakeholders, including on social media, and civic actions such as petitioning and voting.

Countering Stigma and Backlash

Social stigma often impedes people’s ability to exercise sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Individuals and demographic groups too often experience stigma based on their perceived role in society or other inalienable characteristics, leading to discrimination, violence and exclusion from even the most basic human rights, such as access to health care—and the effects of stigma can be deadly.

Countering stigma, backlash and their harmful effects is a core principle of SRHR advocacy and practice.  Organizations that serve marginalized and vulnerable populations can begin to counter stigma by reflecting on their own communications and the limited power of those victimized by stigma. Truly listening to those in need is fundamental. In addition, supporting those in need who seek help in a safe space while allowing providers to feel safe is equally as important to countering backlash. Last, clear and consistent information free from misinformation, jargon, and exclusionary or offensive terminology is needed to counter backlash.

Inclusive and accessible communication

Many of the individuals seeking abortion services come from vulnerable populations. The type and tone of SRHR-related communication can often unintentionally add to the stigma marginalized individuals face. For example, reliable health information may only be available in official or dominant languages, rendering health care information exclusive. This can increase the risk of stigma that results from confusion and misinformation. Nondominant language speakers can also experience limited access to education and technology, meaning they are less likely to be informed on important matters such as SRHR. Furthermore, technical terminology, abbreviations and dehumanizing terms used in health care, such as referring to people as “cases,” contributes to stigmatization and prevents inclusive and accessible communication.

Digital advocacy and messaging

Digital advocacy is the use of digital tools or platforms to build support for a cause or issue. This is done to influence people to make decisions or take actions that will achieve a stated goal. Social media can be a valuable tool with which to build on traditional advocacy efforts, allowing advocates to easily reach and target new audiences, cultivate equitable relationships and strengthen advocacy networks.

Clear, evidence-based messaging is especially important in the digital space, because of the speed and ease with which misinformation and disinformation can spread on social media.

Digital tools offer varied and sophisticated ways to tailor an advocacy message to reach and engage specific audiences, through different content formats and channels.

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