12 steps to gender-sensitive parliaments in the OSCE region

The Helsinki Pledges are the outcome of an exchange between members of parliament from across the OSCE region, who met in Helsinki in June 2025 to assess progress on gender equality in political life and to identify practical steps to advance it further.

The pledges translate existing OSCE standards into concrete institutional measures that can be implemented by parliaments across the region, providing a structured and practical framework to support national parliaments in strengthening democratic representation and accountability. 

To build gender-sensitive parliaments, they need to have inclusive procedures, effective oversight, gender-responsive budgeting, safe working environments and clear sanctions for violence against women in politics. The pledges also underline that promoting gender equality is a shared institutional responsibility, including the active engagement of male parliamentarians as allies.

By setting out practical steps for reform, the Helsinki Pledges reaffirm that gender equality is integral to democratic resilience and to security. Parliaments that reflect the diversity of society and remove barriers to participation are better positioned to uphold democratic commitments and respond to the needs of all citizens across the OSCE region.