Your Policy Brief Should Include the Following Sections

Writing a Policy Brief

Overview

A policy brief is a short, focused document, intended for decision-makers, that outlines the rationale for choosing a particular policy alternative or course of action in a current policy debate. A policy brief is not a research paper but does summarize and repackage research findings. It may be “objective”, that is, a brief that outlines current alternatives without arguing for a particular one or the brief may advocate for a particular alternative after presenting the options. The purpose of a policy brief is to serve as an impetus for action.

Your policy brief should include the following sections:

·  Summary: Defines the policy issue succinctly and in compelling language

o  Write this part last, when you have a clear picture of what you have written and can provide the most salient information. (approx. 100 words)

·  Significance of Problem: Provide a short overview of the importance of the problem as well as its root causes. This section should answer the question, “Why should the reader care about MHM?” (approx. 400 words)

·  Existing Approaches: List and briefly assess current policy options or approaches, describe relevant research and analysis and highlight their advantages and disadvantages. (approx. 500 words)

o  Make sure that the brief is not overly technical, and that there is no ‘jargon’.

o  If a word that an average person wouldn’t know, define it.

·  Recommendations: Select one policy option. Provide your assessment of the feasibility of adoption by the relevant policy decision maker(s) and potential pitfalls and trade-offs. What makes this approach innovative and the best way to solve the problem? How will your approach positively impact health? At which level of government should this approach be implemented to best reach the population? (approx. 500 words)

o  Make sure that all of your ideas are grounded in evidence.

·  Cite ALL references used to prepare the brief.

·  The total brief should not exceed 1500 words.

Before you begin writing

These are things to consider:

·  Audience

o  Who is the audience?

o  How open are they to the message?

o  How knowledgeable are they about the topic?

o  What are the audiences’ interests and concerns?

·  Content

o  The content should be easy to follow. Do not assume that your reader knows much about Menstrual Hygiene Management.

o  Think of any questions that need to be answered for the reader to understand the topic.

o  Refine vital information so that it is succinct and to the point.

o  Have a clear and direct purpose.

Remember that this document is not the end all be all document on Menstrual Hygiene, but a targeted piece to help a policy maker arrive at a decision.

External resources:

The Partnership for Economic Policy’s guidelines for writing a policy brief:

http://www.pep-net.org/sites/pep-net.org/files/typo3doc/pdf/CBMS_country_proj_profiles/Philippines/CBMS_forms/Guidelines_for_Writing_a_Policy_Brief.pdf

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s guide to translating science and engaging stakeholders

http://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-and-institutes/womens-and-childrens-health-policy-center/de/policy_brief/index.html