18 HANDBOOK FOR NHRIs ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY The Handbook is envisaged as a tool to help NHRIs strengthen their work on women’s rights and gender equality. It does not assess the situation or performance of any particular institution, nor does it seek to determine compliance with any principles or standards that may apply to NHRIs or other similar institutions. Finally, this Handbook should be seen as work in progress – a first step towards better understanding of NHRIs and opportunities to strengthen their capacity, as well as their specific role in protecting women’s rights and gender equality. ODIHR welcomes ongoing consultation, comments and feedback on this topic, and may decide to update this Handbook as needed.