A situation analysis is a snapshot of the situation before the campaign begins (similar to a mapping exercise). It provides a picture of the internal and external factors that influence the achievement of campaign goals and objectives. Internal factors are the various resources needed, including human skills and time. External factors can be of a political, economic, social, cultural or legal nature, among others.
For example, any national action plans to end violence against women and girls, as well as reports to UN monitoring bodies (such as government and alternative CEDAW reports) should be examined as part of the situation analysis.
The tools presented—SWOT, Policy and PESTEL analysis— serve to deepen the understanding of the campaign issue, resources, potential opportunities and obstacles to achieving the campaign goal, and ways of overcoming them.