Gender equality in politics

For more than 30 years, ODIHR has worked to translate international commitments on gender equality into practical tools, assisting parliaments, political parties, governments and civil society across the OSCE region in making equal participation a reality. 

ODIHR supports OSCE participating States in advancing gender equality in politics by promoting women’s equal participation, representation and leadership at all levels of decision-making, and by helping to transform democratic institutions so they reflect and serve all members of society. 

In practice, ODIHR combines training with technical assistance and knowledge-building tools. Through gender equality training for parliamentarians, civil society and security sector personnel, and by encouraging women’s recruitment and promotion within the security ranks, ODIHR supports effective institutions, policies and programmes that reflect the needs and interests of both men and women.

A gender audit aims to encourage political party leaders, men and women alike, party activists, party members, journalists, researchers, civil society organizations and other interested individuals or organizations to assess how gender sensitive a political party is.