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What are gender-sensitive parliaments and why do they matter? Consultations with parliaments in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Meeting
- Date:
- Location:
- Sarajevo
- Organized by:
- UN Women and OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
- Source:
- OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights
- Fields of work:
- Democratization, Education, Gender equality
About the consultation
Parliaments play a central role in any democracy. They make laws, oversee the government and represent the public. Because of this, they are well-positioned to promote gender equality in public life.
This consultation introduces the concept of a gender-sensitive parliament and explores what it would mean for Bosnia and Herzegovina. A gender-sensitive parliament aims for balanced representation of women and men, considers gender when drafting and reviewing laws, and applies equality principles in its internal organisation and daily work. When parliaments take this approach, they become more open, effective and representative of the people they serve.
The session will also discuss how parliamentary gender audits could be carried out in Bosnia and Herzegovina. These audits are a practical tool that helps parliaments understand what they are doing well, where gaps exist and how to plan improvements across the whole institution.
Who can take part
This consultation is designed for:
- Members of the Presidiums/Bureaux of state-level and entity-level parliamentary chambers
- Representatives from Speakers’ and Presidents’ offices
- Chairs, members and secretaries of committees dealing with gender equality, legal affairs, appointments, administration and ethics
- Secretaries of parliamentary chambers at state and entity level (or their delegates)
Background
Across Europe, many parliaments have begun turning the idea of a “gender-sensitive parliament” into concrete action — from internal reforms and new working methods to full institutional gender audits. ODIHR’s guidance brings together lessons from these experiences and provides a clear, step-by-step method for running participatory gender audits focused on representation, law-making and oversight.
In June 2025, ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly brought together European parliaments in Helsinki to endorse a set of renewed commitments known as the Helsinki Pledges, encouraging parliaments to carry out gender audits and adopt action plans to strengthen equality.
Contact
For any questions, please contact:
Saša Gavrić, ODIHR Officer for Gender Equality in Politics
📧 sasa.gavric@odihr.pl
Contact
