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WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE POLICY DIALOGUE PROCESS? 1 | STAKEHOLDER MAPPING You want to make sure that the right people are involved in your Policy Dialogue process, especially those who have a vested interest in or are directly affected by the policy issue you have chosen. To work out who these individuals or groups of people might be, you will carry out some Stakeholder Mapping.
First, who is a stakeholder? Any individual or organisation with ties to the policy issue you have chosen. The policy issue may directly affect their business or personal life, or this person or organisation may have the power to influence or change this policy issue even if it doesn’t directly affect them. Here’s an example. If you were focusing on the release of microfibres from textiles into the ocean and how this affects your community, a few stakeholders may be:
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Fishermen – microfibres impact the fish stocks and therefore their livelihoods.
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Local and international NGOs – particularly those focusing on marine issues.
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National and local governments and specific governmental departments - e.g. the Department of Environment.
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Washing machine producers and people managing sewage treatments.
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The polluters themselves – fashion consumers (who may also be eating these same fish containing microfibres), fashion brands, manufacturers.
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Fish and the ocean – just because they don’t have a voice, doesn’t mean they aren’t affected; perhaps you could involve a civil society organisation dedicated to their protection.
Why do you need to identify and engage with stakeholders? During this Policy Dialogue, you will be engaging with different people who are affected by the topic, and we ask that you involve your stakeholders using a participatory approach. Why do we want to use a participatory approach? In short, involving farmers, artisans, garment workers or others who may experience a sense of exclusion or exploitation helps them to become part of the solution. Furthermore, once people realise they are being listened to, they may feel empowered and have a greater sense of agency towards creating positive change. When those affected by an issue are given a voice and a way to meaningfully engage in decision-making, the policy design will be better informed, and the final policies will be more effective. Finally, bringing together all those affected will help to build mutual understanding, trust and credibility.
“Greater understanding of the lived experience of the most economically marginalised [people] leads to policies that promote a better base of economic security.” TONY GREENHAM (ECONOMIST AND ACADEMIC)
