INTRODUCTION 13 OSCE region. The survey results are documented in this Handbook and will help NHRIs to identify next steps to build their capacities and to contribute to a culture of human rights in their national contexts. Who the Handbook is for This Handbook is for NHRIs in the OSCE region that are seeking to strengthen their capacity to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality. It can also be useful for governments and specialized institutions interacting with NHRIs and mandated to address discrimination and equality issues. The Handbook can serve as a  tool for human rights activists, gender advocates, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international actors working with NHRIs. Handbook Methodology The information in this Handbook is based on a survey of NHRIs in the OSCE region, conducted in 2011. The survey questionnaires requested information on institutional models, human rights programming, interactions with government and civil society, and internal organizational strategies, with a view to identifying institutional features that might support or hinder efforts to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality. A copy of the questionnaire is provided in Annex 1. ODIHR invited independent NHRIs from across the OSCE region to participate in the survey. A total of 47 NHRIs in the OSCE participating States 7 received the questionnaire, and 38 responded – an 81 per cent response rate. The survey responses 8 were statistically analysed, and the findings are presented in blue text boxes throughout the Handbook, as well as in Annex 1. 7 8 For a list of OSCE participating States, see online: <http://www.osce.org/who/83>. ODIHR does not bear any responsibility for the accuracy of the responses provided by the NHRIs.