Legislative Advocacy

Pushing for Policy Change

Effective legislative advocacy is critical for advancing the interests of civil society and ensuring that policies and laws reflect the needs of the people. At ZCSD, we have a long history of engaging in legislative advocacy, working with government agencies, lawmakers, and civil society actors to push for policies that promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.

Our Lifeline Zambia Project focused on engaging CSOs in the development of a new NGO law, analyzing the 2009 NGO Act, and identifying areas for improvement. Through online stakeholder consultations, we solicited views from various sectors, including the SADC Council of NGOs, to develop a comprehensive framework for NGO regulation that guarantees civic space and empowers CSOs to operate independently.

Moreover, our advocacy efforts have extended to issues such as money laundering and counter-terrorism financing regulations, ensuring that these policies do not unfairly restrict the activities of CSOs. Our workshops on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) regulations have been instrumental in educating CSOs on their obligations while advocating for a regulatory environment that allows civil society to thrive.

At ZCSD, we believe that legislative advocacy is an ongoing process. We will continue to engage with policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders to push for laws and policies that promote an enabling environment for civil society, ensuring that our collective voice is heard in the corridors of power.

Key Legislative Advocacy Services at ZCSD:

  • Policy Analysis and Legal Reform: Conducting detailed analysis of existing laws and policies, such as the 2009 NGO Act, to identify gaps and areas that require reform. This ensures that legislation governing civil society is fair, enabling, and aligned with international standards.
  • Stakeholder Consultations and Coalition Building: Facilitating broad stakeholder consultations, including CSOs, government bodies, development partners, and regional organizations, to gather input on proposed legislative changes and build strong coalitions that can advocate for meaningful reform.
  • Engagement with Lawmakers and Policymakers: Regularly engaging with members of parliament, government ministries, and policymakers to push for legislative changes that reflect the needs of civil society and marginalized populations.
  • Advocacy for Regulatory Reform: Leading efforts to reform regulations that affect the operation of CSOs, such as Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CFT) laws, to ensure they do not unduly restrict civil society activities.
  • Capacity Building for CSOs on Legislative Processes: Providing training and workshops for CSOs to increase their understanding of legislative processes and how they can engage in advocacy efforts to influence policy and legal reforms.
  • Monitoring and Tracking Legislative Changes: Keeping a close watch on changes to laws and policies that affect civil society, ensuring that CSOs are aware of and can respond to new legislative developments in a timely manner.
  • Lobbying and Advocacy Campaigns: Organizing and leading lobbying efforts aimed at promoting specific policy changes, including those that enhance civic space, human rights, and social protection for vulnerable groups.
  • Legal Support for CSOs: Offering legal advice and support to CSOs to navigate complex legislative environments and ensure they remain compliant with the law while advocating for better regulatory conditions.
  • Public Awareness and Media Engagement: Using media platforms and public awareness campaigns to generate widespread support for legislative reforms that benefit civil society and the broader public. This helps in influencing both public opinion and the legislative agenda.
  • Development of Policy Briefs and Position Papers: Producing comprehensive policy briefs, research reports, and position papers that provide evidence-based recommendations for lawmakers and policymakers on how to improve laws impacting civil society.
  • Workshops on Compliance and Best Practices: Educating CSOs on compliance with existing laws while advocating for legislative frameworks that support an enabling environment for civil society operations.

Through these services, ZCSD continues to be a vital force in legislative advocacy, ensuring that the voice of civil society is influential in shaping laws that promote justice, inclusion, and accountability in Zambia.

 

Scroll to Top