42 Example The Stroller Campaign was carried out by the Swedish Equal Opportunities Ombudsman (now the Equality Ombudsman) in 2007. The campaign used newsletters, personal stories, a website and promotional materials to inform parents of the impact of the new Parental Leave Act in Sweden, which came into force in 2006 and strengthened protections for parents with child care responsibilities. The campaign also offered positive examples from a model employer that is “family-friendly”, providing tips to other companies on how to accommodate employees with new parenting responsibilities. In addition, it was reported that the awareness-raising of the stroller campaign led individuals who felt they had been treated less favourably to file complaints. Some of these cases were mediated, while others were tried in the Labour Court. Example The Ombudsperson of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan holds academic conferences and selects students from universities across the country to present papers. A portion of the event is focused on women’s rights and gender equality. The three best papers are published and all participants receive recognition certificates. HANDBOOK FOR NHRIs ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY Websites and social media: NHRIs can develop online publications and other online materials, as well as use social media to raise awareness about women’s rights and gender equality. Promotional publications and campaigns on women’s rights can be posted on NHRI websites. Facebook, Twitter and other social media are inexpensive ways to improve awareness among younger groups. Organizing events and mobilizing creative channels: NHRIs can themselves convene meetings or public events at which various groups, including civil society, academia, media, victims’ groups or government officials and policymakers come together to discuss issues related to women’s rights and gender equality. Attention around such events can improve public awareness and further debate at the national level. Such events may also discuss emerging issues or initiatives for legislative or policies changes. NHRIs can also use interactive and creative methods to promote women’s rights and gender equality. For example, this can be done by ensuring that NHRIs have a  presence at street fairs, theatre, music and art festivals, exhibitions, parades and charity events. These activities may best be carried out in collaboration with civil society partners. Campaigns targeting children and youth: Children and youth are an important audience in relation to women’s rights and gender equality. NHRIs can develop particular strategies to reach these groups, including by developing relevant promotional materials and by seeking to actively engage children and youth. NHRIs can also play an important role in facilitating the systemic inclusion of women’s rights and gender equality in school curricula and pedagogical activities, particularly through human rights education programmes.

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