Democratization Gender Equality The ODIHR works to foster understanding within participating States that gender equality is an integral component of a functioning democracy. One of the barriers to achieving this is that women’s organizations and gender-equality mechanisms are often isolated from mainstream democracy development. The ODIHR has been addressing this issue by developing platforms for dialogue between civil society and governments and mechanisms for integrating gender expertise into government policy. In a context where women are under-represented in decision-making and governance structures, women’s organizations need to build networks and form strong alliances, from grassroots to central levels, both for their own empowerment and in order to constitute a representative partner for dialogue with government. As part of this process, the ODIHR is developing a pool of national experts to advise and support governments in promoting equal rights and opportunities. Through its work, the ODIHR is contributing to the implementation of the OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality. In-house, gender issues are being mainstreamed throughout the Office’s activities. Main Issues k Awareness of gender equality: In many societies, traditional patriarchal attitudes and behaviours prevail, and there is little awareness that such attitudes constitute discriminatory practices. This has a negative impact on the status of women, as well as on the choices and opportunities available to them, limiting their participation and contribution to democratization processes. Effective awareness-raising needs to underline the benefits of promoting equal rights 34 and opportunities for women and men in terms of wider democratic development. k Civil society/government dialogue on gender equality: In a number of countries, civil society has limited access to government, and there is limited awareness of the benefits of participatory democracy. Demands and pressure from civil society has, however, proved to be a key factor in determining the level of government engagement in developing gender-sensitive policymaking. Effective dialogue benefits both partners, providing a vehicle for government outreach to the public while giving civil society an instrument for influencing decision-making. k Women’s participation in democratic processes: Throughout the OSCE area, women tend to be under-represented in legislatures, political parties, and in decision-making in general. One of the contributing factors is the lack of a culture of women’s leadership. Supporting women’s leadership and coalition-building efforts and promoting co-operation between civil society and government structures are important means for empowering women in decision-making processes. k National gender expertise: Consultancy and advice on the promotion of gender equality in transitional countries are commonly provided by experts and academics from established democracies. However, external advice does not always result in sustainable local efforts to achieve gender equality. Therefore, experts with first-hand local knowledge are indispensable in developing tailor-made responses and in building local ownership of processes. Building the capacity of national experts as advisors to gender policy makers on the national and regional level is a priority. ANNUAL REPORT 2005