This a question Plan International has explored. Plan has a strong focus on empowering and supporting girls globally, recognising that girls bear the greatest burden in disasters and conflicts.  Convincing governments worldwide that gender equality is part of the solution is a challenge, so Plan Australia has produced a guide for communicating about gender equality called Moving the Middle.  The guide is informed by evidence, and can help BPW advocate with more purpose, efficacy and focus.    Page 10 outlines the challenge – Australians’ beliefs about gender equality, and the subsequent pages explore how our message can be better communicated.

Understanding who you’re seeking to influence is the key to effective advocacy. Plan’s guide is based upon their Gender Compass which segments the broader Australian public into 6 groups according to their beliefs, policy preferences and behaviours in relation to gender equality.  In BPW, we’re Trailblazers – we don’t need convincing of the value of gender equity.   The other 5 groups are Hopefuls, Conflicted, Moderate, Indifferent and Rejector.  Each group needs a different approach to convince them to listen, understand, accept and take action on our gender equity messages.

We’ve been energising the base – like-minded leaders and organisations – but we need to Move the Middle!  Page 21 onwards sets the Messaging Principles for more effective communications that influence the ‘moveable middle’.  A good discussion tool for a BPW club meeting.