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Paper short abstract:

This work explores how anti-racist, decolonial, and justice-led approaches can reshape policy and advocacy in the international development sector. It offers practical strategies, insights, and resources to embed equity into organisational practice, while addressing barriers to systemic change.

Paper long abstract:

For the international development sector to meaningfully tackle systemic inequalities, it must embed anti-racist, decolonial, and justice-led approaches into the heart of policy and advocacy work. This work argues that these principles must move beyond being viewed as optional add-ons or temporary projects and instead become central to organisational practice and culture.

Drawing from resources such as This is the Work and the report on justice-led approaches to global development, the paper provides practical strategies and insights to support organisations in challenging entrenched inequities. It also addresses common misconceptions and resistance to these approaches, offering thoughtful responses to frequently raised concerns.

Key areas of focus include:

The transformative potential of anti-racist and decolonial frameworks in advocacy and policy.

The importance of sustained organisational commitment to embedding equity.

The value of feminist leadership principles and justice-led methodologies in fostering accountability and care.

Through real-world examples and actionable recommendations, the paper invites organisations to reflect on their current practices and commit to systemic change. Participants will gain practical tools, deeper understanding, and a clear sense of how anti-racist and decolonial approaches can inform ethical and impactful advocacy, ensuring equity becomes an everyday reality within the sector.