PESTEL (or PESTLE) is a strategic planning tool to scan the context of the campaign. It examines political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal external factors likely to have a bearing on the campaign. When examining the different factors, it is important to bear in mind that women and men, girls and boys may be affected differently by different aspects and at different levels.
Practical Instructions for PESTEL Analysis
Political factors pertain to the political life in your context, at the levels relevant to your campaign. For example, is there a risk that ultra-conservative politicians opposing women’s rights gain a strong voice in national parliament? Or, are there opportunities to overcome resistance from local decision-makers by winning support from national or international political forces?
Economic factors may include issues of poverty and economic development and access to resources, and the different ways in which they affect women and men.
Social factors include opportunities and challenges related to social distinctions such as culture, religion, social class or caste, and gender roles and stereotypes.
Technological factors include the availability of information and communication technology (ICT) for your campaign, and the extent to which your target audiences use ICT.
Legal factors refer to laws and law enforcement related to your campaign issue, and more broadly to VAW and women’s rights.
Environmental factors relate to the natural environment, such as the effects of climate change, which may have an impact on VAW. For example, natural disasters may cause mass displacements that increase the risk of VAW.
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External Factors |
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Economic |
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Social |
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Technological |
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Legal |
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Environmental |
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Conduct your PESTEL analysis in a workshop, as a brainstorming exercise involving different team members and stakeholders, or use it as an analytical tool in a planning meeting with the campaign team.
Step-by-step guidance is available from the Improvement Network (UK).