Case study on advocacy, influence and political participation in Egypt: turning a rusty wheel: building coalitions for public influence in Egypt

This case study compares the experiences of two different coalitions in Egypt that were established to advocate the elimination of female genital mutilation (FMG). It provides lessons on what makes alliances work and what pulls them apart, as a critical element of effective advocacy. In addition, it offers both hope and practical advice on dealing with the complex and elusive barrier of culture in promoting womenÆs equality and human rights. The study illustrates the building of FMG task forces on local and national levels, coalitions of organisations and individuals active in several fields of development. It focuses specifically at the forming of a local FMG grassroots coalition in Beni Suef, going through problem analysis; stakeholder analysis using power maps and strategic influence grids; preparation of an action plan; determining coalition policies; steps for ensuring an effective coalition; use of external interventions; organisational outcomes; and measures of sustainability. It is concluded that the critical element contributing to the success of coalition building in Beni Suef was that the movement came from the grassroots. The study was an initiative of the Asia FoundationÆs Global Women in Politics Program (GWIP) supported by USAID (United States Agency for International Development). The study compares the coalition work to the case of the Fayoum Ladies Association (FLA) working for the same objective as the coalition, but established by a para-statal body (the Fayoum Governorate Committee on Women). It is found that although had better support form the state it was not as well integrated in the community and its membership was mainly from the civil sector, such as bureaucrats, and its board came from the government and the ruling party. Egypt, advocacy, influence, women, female circumcision, female genital mutilation