7 ORGANIZING NHRIs TO ACHIEVE WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY 87 ? What steps are necessary to make sure that women from disadvantaged, minority or migrant groups can access the NHRI? ? Does the NHRI co-operate with women’s organizations and NGOs that may have better access to women who are victims of human rights violations? ODIHR Recommendations: planning processes should incorporate consideration of women’s rights → NHRI and gender equality in all relevant areas of the NHRIs substantive work, as well as organizationally within the NHRIs. Where national specialized institutions exist, in particular gender equality bod→ ies, these could be consulted during the planning process. Civil society actors and other partners could also be consulted and invited to provide input. should appoint a focal point on gender equality and women’s rights. The → NHRIs focal point should have adequate authority to ensure that gender perspectives are fully integrated. should track the representation of women and men at all levels in the → NHRIs NHRIs. This information should be included in the NHRIs’ annual reports, and steps should be taken to address any significant imbalances. should provide regular training on gender sensitivity, sexual harass→ NHRIs ment, women’s rights and non-discrimination to staff members. All staff, from senior management to administrative and service staff, should be required to participate in gender-sensitivity training. should put in place policies to prevent gender-based discrimination, includ→ NHRIs ing against pregnant women. NHRIs should provide flexible hours and work-athome arrangements to accommodate persons with parental and/or caretaking responsibilities. Attention should be paid to ensure fairness to other employees. should evaluate factors that may prevent women from accessing them → NHRIs and take steps to address these. This may include the establishment of regional or mobile offices, flexible opening hours, a child corner in the NHRI office, access for persons with disabilities and means of reporting that allow for confidentiality.