Democratization them to strategize more effectively. ODIHR’s joint interactive assessment project brought together the six main political parties and was facilitated by a leading Tbilisi think tank, the Caucasus Institute for Peace, Development and Democracy (CIPDD) and the Netherlands Institute for Multi-party Democracy (NIMD). The parties carried out a critical assessment of all aspects of their activities and identified ways to modernize and democratize their structures. They also examined interaction between parties. Recommendations on strategies to further cultivate effective political parties were developed, and served as a catalyst for refining discussions on political conditions. Based upon these recommendations, ODIHR implemented a multi-pronged programme, in which the agenda and issues for discussion were set out by the political parties themselves, ensuring their active engagement in the process. A rigorous multi-party approach helped different parties gain awareness of their common interests in building an effective political party framework. Parliamentary assistance Since 2006, in a move to support domestic efforts to reform and strengthen parliamentary practices in Georgia, ODIHR has worked with the Georgian parliament and the OSCE Mission to Georgia in creating the Centre for Parliamentary Reform (CPR). Based within the parliament and staffed by Georgian experts, the Centre’s main task is to formulate parliamentary reform strategies and keep the parliamentary leadership abreast of reform initiatives. The Centre is integrated into the management structure of the parliament in order to ensure that the reform process is genuinely locally owned. During its initial phase of capacity-building and consolidation, the Centre assisted the parliamentary leadership in the crucial task of donor co-ordination. After three years of close cooperation with ODIHR, the CPR has established itself as a key player and knowledge bank for the process of parliamentary reform. 30 Annual Report 2008 In 2008, the Centre summarized and analyzed the main challenges and problems the Georgian parliament is facing by preparing and publishing the Journal of Parliamentary Activities. This publication is already serving as a reference point for new projects aimed at increasing the effectiveness and transparency of the legislative process. Throughout 2008, the CPR also continued providing leadership in representing Georgia’s parliament on the international stage, particular through its continuing cooperation with the European Parliament. III. Gender equality and women’s participation Increasing women’s political participation ODIHR’s work in support of increased participation by women in political processes and providing them with a greater place in decisionmaking builds on two key components. Firstly, ODIHR is engaged with representatives of civil society and members of political parties in providing the skills and expertise to allow them to work effectively at increasing the role and participation of women in decision-making. Secondly, ODIHR aims to strengthen interaction among elected officials and NGOs to enhance advocacy mechanisms for ensuring gendersensitive policy-making. In Georgia in 2008, ODIHR continued to assist the Women’s NGO Coalition in undertaking targeted activities to promote public awareness of the importance of women’s political participation. With ODIHR support, the Coalition raised its profile and forged new partnerships with other stakeholders during the runup to parliamentary elections in May. ODIHR provided expertise and technical assistance to the Coalition as it conducted a public information campaign focused on advancing the role of women in decision-making and governance. The election witnessed an increase in the number of women candidates, and a notable level of activity among women voters, particularly