4. What would parliamentary oversight of the security sector that advances gender equality and integrates a gender perspective look like? This section lays out a vision of what a focus on gender equality in parliaments’ oversight function entails, and examines the key features that promote security by integrating a gender perspective. The main areas examined are defining security and security needs in an inclusive manner, with a gender perspective; effective legislation and structures to address GBV; mainstreaming gender into budgeting; and Women, Peace and Security NAPs. This section presents examples from Africa, Central America, Macaronesia, North America and Southeast Europe. Section 5 examines how parliamentarians can achieve this vision. 4.1 Security and security needs are defined in an inclusive manner and with a gender perspective Parliaments that are effective in their oversight function lay out a vision for inclusive national security. In pursuing this goal, parliaments support SSR “by deepening national ownership; developing a vision for security, shaping sound legal frameworks; ensuring better public financial management, encouraging a culture of service; and providing for a more inclusive and responsive approach”.1 Women, men and individuals of diverse backgrounds, sexual orientation and gender identities and expressions are guaranteed equal access to security services and accountability mechanisms. Without this, the security sector risks reinforcing existing gender inequalities by allowing more powerful members of society (including security institutions’ own staff) to dominate others. Public hearings can help parliaments assess and document the need for legal evolution. An example from Togo highlights how legislative processes can be supported through public consultations on violence against women and girls. In 2010 female parliamentarians in Togo organized national consultations on violence against women and girls, with support from international partners, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Using their leadership positions within parliament, women such as the Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the Chair of the Parliamentary Commission on Human Rights mobilized support from international partners and national stakeholders inside and outside the National Assembly, Togo’s legislative body. The outcomes of this process, which covered every region and province in the country, informed the development of proposed legislation on violence against women and girls, a first for Togo. An inclusive editing team, including women’s rights activists, independent gender and legal specialists, technical advisers from the Ministry for the Promotion of Women and a core group of male and female MPs from different political Image: Members of the European Parliament visit Turkey to assess response to the Syrian refugee crisis, 2016 © European Union 2016 European Parliament.