75 7 ORGANIZING NHRIs TO ACHIEVE WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY 4. Women’s participation in political and public life Example SURVEY RESULTS The Commissioner for Human Rights from Azerbaijan uses awareness-raising campaigns, including in rural areas, to encourage women to exercise their right to vote and to become actively involved in the electoral process. The NHRI reports that its campaigns have resulted in increases in the number of women candidates, the number of elected women and deputies, and the number of women elected at the municipal levels. Women’s participation in political and public life was identified as a priority by 33% of NHRIs surveyed. Questions to consider ? Does the NHRI undertake regular strategic planning for its decision-making and to identify its priorities? ? How is the gender perspective integrated into the planning process? ? How does the NHRI identify the most significant priorities for women and for gender equality? ? Are strategic plans implemented through operational or action plans containing appropriate, targeted and resourced activities and programmes? ? Does the planning process involve all relevant stakeholders, including women’s organizations, committee service organizations and research bodies/think tanks? ? Does the planning process engage with specialized institutions in the country? ? Does the NHRI train its own staff on how to undertake strategic planning, and does this integrate issues related to gender? ? How are strategic decisions reinforced internally with staff and communicated externally to stakeholders?