INTRODUCTION 17 Handbook overview The Handbook covers functional areas of NHRI performance, based on the survey responses. Each section offers a  summary of trends, practical examples, recommendations and a series of guiding, open-ended questions to prompt the reader to consider possible future initiatives. Chapter 1 provides an overview of NHRI models in the OSCE region and their legislative frameworks, focusing on implications for women’s rights and gender equality. Chapters 2 and 3 examine protection and promotion strategies that may help NHRIs strengthen their capacity to address women’s rights and gender equality. Chapter 4 considers how NHRIs can provide advice to governments, in order to assist the state in fulfilling its commitments to respect, protect and advance women’s rights and gender equality. Chapter 5 considers collaboration between NHRIs and civil society to promote and protect women’s rights and gender equality. Chapter 6 identifies strategies to enhance international co-operation, a growing area of attention and activity for NHRIs at both the international and domestic level. Chapter 7 proposes standard organizational tools that can improve performance in the area of gender equality and women’s rights, including planning, gender mainstreaming, organizational structuring, leadership and management strategies and accessibility as key strategies. Chapter 8 offers conclusions and ways forward, bringing together the observations from the above sections, and proposing pragmatic solutions and possible future steps for NHRIs to consider in their own organizational development, their relationships with other actors and the broader society they serve. ODIHR acknowledges the fact that NHRIs have their own distinct institutional features, practices and legislative mandate. Moreover, not all NHRIs work in the same context, legally or socially. Efforts are made in this Handbook to reflect the diversity and specificity of states and sub-regions represented.