5. How can parliamentary oversight of the security sector help advance gender equality and integrate a gender perspective? This section outlines some key mechanisms by which parliamentary oversight of the security sector can be strengthened so as to advance gender equality. The overarching strategy is to integrate a gender perspective in all aspects of parliamentary work. As described by the UN Development Programme: Gender mainstreaming within the legislative branch is the internal transformation of the institution (“how work is done”), of its results (“what is legislated” and “what content the legislation has”) and of its links (“who it has a dialogue with”, “who it controls”, “to whom is it accountable”).1 To integrate a gender perspective in oversight of the security sector, more specific mechanisms include: Ê gender analysis of the security sector, including in budgetary scrutiny Ê engaging dedicated gender infrastructure, such as a parliamentary committee on gender equality or a women’s parliamentary caucus, in security sector oversight Ê inclusive processes, reaching out to communities Ê strengthening collaboration with ombuds institutions engaged in security sector oversight Ê achieving gender parity within the parliament. 5.1 Gender analysis of the security sector, including in budgetary scrutiny Integrating a gender perspective in oversight involves considering who performs a process or implements a policy, how it is performed or implemented, for what purpose, and whether the process or policy promotes gender equality. Gender-responsive oversight of the security sector thus entails scrutinizing security-sector-related laws, budgets, policies and practices with a view to ensuring that the security needs and priorities of all men and women, regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identities and expressions, are taken into account, and that security sector institutions respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all, including as regards their own personnel. Doing this requires some understanding, knowledge and skills. It is first and foremost necessary to conduct a gender analysis: a critical examination of how differences in gender roles, activities, needs, opportunities and rights/entitlements affect women, men, girls and boys (regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity or expression) in a given policy area, situation or context.* * Tool 15, “Integrating Gender in Project Design and Monitoring for the Security and Justice Sector”, presents approaches to gender analysis, including a range of gender analysis tools that could be used by parliamentarians. Image: Six members of the European Parliament’s all-party Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, 2011 © European Union 2011 PE-EP/ Pietro Naj-Oleari.