78 SURVEY RESULTS 70% of NHRIs reported that their current head of institution (chief commissioner, ombudsperson, public protector) is male. 73% of NHRIs reported that their previous head of institution was male. The number of men and women in senior management of NHRIs varies considerably. However, across the OSCE region, more women than men were reported being senior managers in NHRIs. On the other hand, women tend to be clustered in the administrative positions as well. HANDBOOK FOR NHRIs ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY 7.5 INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIP Institutional leadership is fundamental to how women’s rights and gender equality are perceived internally, as well as externally. Pluralism and diversity within the composition of an NHRI are requirements under the Paris Principles. Given that women comprise about 50 per cent of the population, one might expect that women would also comprise an equivalent proportion of the leadership in a truly pluralistic and representative institution. Equitable institutional leadership begins with the equitable representation of women and men throughout the organization – especially in senior management. The establishment of women-friendly human resources policies and other internal organizational features that enable women and men to participate and advance in the organization on an equal footing are also important. Institutional leadership is also shown through the governance and direction provided by the senior officials of the organization to ensure that women’s rights and gender quality remain priorities in programming and decision-making at the organizational level. Questions to consider ? What steps can be taken before the government or legislature so that NHRI leadership is balanced between men and women? (For example, by alternating the appointment of men and women to the senior position, and by ensuring that commissioners and other senior appointments reflect gender balance.) ? If there are deputy ombudspersons or other bodies, such as advisory councils, what steps can be taken to ensure a gender-balanced group of leaders?