Democratization Gender Equality The ODIHR works to foster within participating States an understanding that gender equality is an integral component of a functioning democracy. One of the barriers to achieving gender equality is that women’s organizations and gender-equality mechanisms are often isolated from mainstream democracy development. The ODIHR has been addressing this issue by developing platforms for interaction between civil society and governments and by supporting mechanisms for integrating gender expertise into government policies. Where women are under-represented in decision-making and governance structures, women’s organizations need to build networks and form strong alliances, from grassroots to central levels, in order to ensure their own empowerment and to constitute a representative partner for dialogue and co-operation with government. The ODIHR supports collaboration among women’s networks in the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and Eastern and South-Eastern Europe in order to promote women’s political participation and an increased role in decision-making processes.4 Main Issues k Awareness of gender equality: In many societies, traditional patriarchal attitudes and behaviours prevail, and there is insufficient awareness that such attitudes constitute discriminatory practices. This has a negative impact on the status of women, as well as on the choices and opportunities available to them, limiting their participation and contribution to democratization processes. Effective awareness-raising needs 4 The ODIHR’s Human Rights Department also works on many gender-related issues through its Human Rights, Women and Security Programme. For more information, see pp. 61-62. 36 Annual Report  to underline the benefits of promoting equal rights and opportunities for women and men in terms of wider democratic development. k Civil society/government dialogue on gender equality: In a number of countries, civil society has limited access to government, and there is a lack of awareness of the benefits of participatory democracy. Demands and pressure from civil society have proven to be a key factor in determining government engagement in developing gender-sensitive policy-making. Effective dialogue benefits both partners, providing a vehicle for government outreach to the public while giving civil society an instrument for influencing decision-making. k Women’s participation in democratic processes: Throughout the OSCE area, women tend to be under-represented in legislatures, political parties, and in decision-making in general. One reason for this is the lack of a culture of women’s leadership. Supporting women leaders and coalition-building efforts and promoting cooperation between civil society and government structures are important means for empowering women in decision-making processes. k Mainstreaming gender aspects in policy-making: National institutions for gender equality, such as government committees and parliamentary councils on equal opportunities, are instrumental in ensuring that gender aspects are integrated into all areas of policy-making and are important vehicles for implementing national and international commitments. Such institutions can also serve as primary vehicles for consultation and for effective public input into the policy-making process. In a number of participating States, these bodies have been established only recently and lack the expertise needed to fulfil their tasks. k National gender expertise: Consultancy and advice on the promotion of gender equality in countries in transition are commonly provided