Systems advocacy refers to efforts to change policy and practice at the local, national or international level, to change the situation for groups of individuals who share similar problems.  While systems advocacy works to improve the system to the benefit of individuals, it is a long-term approach to problem solving requiring sustained effort. 

Systems advocacy may take the form of lobbying for new laws to protect women and girls from violence and/or to change existing laws so that they more effectively protect women and girls.  Of course the first step in passing a new law or changing an existing law is the drafting process.  Attorneys, advocates, government and non-government offiicials, constitutents and those directly affected by any proposed law should be consulted and involved in the process.  Lobbying necessarily involves having a strong law that incorporates the best practices to present to the legislative branch of your government.  Many countries consult international and regional experts to review their laws prior to presenting them to the legislature.  This is a critical and absolutely necessary part of the lobbying process and cannot be overemphasized.  

In addition to the effort of drafting a sound new law or amendments to an existing law; lobbying itself requires a great deal of effort, thought, coalition building, and expertise.  Lobbying is only one component of a larger advocacy strategy.  Advocates should consider how lobbying fits into the overall advocacy strategy and the best time to engage in lobbying.  In addition, lobbying should not be undertaken without significant discussion and planning.