1. Overview This Tool sets out a vision and strategies to deepen efforts to integrate a gender perspective and advance gender equality in parliamentary oversight of the security sector. Parliamentary oversight is of key importance in establishing an effective and accountable security sector which is responsive to the needs of the whole citizenry. Gender-responsive oversight is the responsibility of all members of parliament (MPs), regardless of their gender, partisan affiliation or professional background. This Tool explains the importance of parliamentary oversight of the security sector in achieving gender equality, and likewise how the delivery of security can benefit from parliaments integrating a gender perspective into their oversight. It aims to establish what parliamentary oversight of the security sector that advances gender equality would look like and how parliaments can effectively oversee the security sector, including defence, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, in a manner that integrates a gender perspective. The Tool provides a range of examples that illustrate how pursuing gender equality enhances parliament’s oversight function. More than a decade has passed since the publication of the DCAF, OSCE/ODIHR and UNINSTRAW Gender and Security Sector Reform (SSR) Toolkit, and much has changed in this time. This new DCAF, OSCE/ODIHR and UN Women Gender and Security Toolkit draws together key lessons in promoting gender equality in security and justice. The aim of this Toolkit is to share new and emerging good practices, reflect upon how successes in increasing gender equality have been achieved, and move forward thinking about integrating a gender perspective in security and justice sector institutions. 1.1 Audiences for this Tool The main audiences for this Tool at the national level include parliamentarians, parliamentary staff and political parties. Beyond the national level, the Tool can be used by members and staff of regional bodies. Civil society and ombuds organizations, national human rights institutions (NHRIs), researchers and academics working on the intersection of security, parliaments and gender may also find this Tool useful. 1.2 Outline of this Tool Section 2 explains the scope and importance of parliaments’ oversight of the security sector, and the key actors within the parliamentary system that are involved in oversight. Image: Participants in a public event organised by the Peruvian Congress discuss law to stop violence against girls and boys, 2012 © Congreso de la República del Perú.