22  //  DEMOCRATIZATION Ms. Doris Pack, President of EPP Women speaks at the International Forum on Women’s Political Empowerment, while Dr. Andrea Pető of CEU moderates and Ms. Mónika Dunai, Member of Parliament of Hungary, listens. (FESBP) Making Laws Work for Women and Men: A Practical Guide to Gender-Sensitive Legislation recommendations for enhancing gender equality in democratic institutions. In 2017, ODIHR published ­Making Laws Work for Women and Men: A Practical Guide to Gender-Sensitive Legislation, which provides parliamentarians with guidance on what gender-sensitive legislation is, why it is important, and how gender-sensitive approaches can be integrated into parliamentary work. ODIHR also supports legislative and institutional changes in participating States that are designed to improve women’s representation, role and influence in politics. In 2017, the Office advised the parliaments of Italy and Montenegro on proposed regulatory and legislative reforms to enhance gender equality. ODIHR continued to address challenges that prevent the full inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life. Activities focused on awareness-raising initiatives, exchange of good practices and increased co-operation among public officials, political parties, parliamentarians, disabled persons’ organizations, civil society and other international organizations. Key events included a meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels, organized by ODIHR and partners on 8 November. At the event, initiatives to facilitate increased representation of persons with disabilities in political party structures across Europe