Foreword In recent years, a wide range of international human rights treaties have been established that protect the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of women and girls. Despite these achievements, progress has been slow in translating these rights into reality for the vast majority. Across the Asia Pacific and around the world, women and girls are at particular risk of gender-based violence and harassment. Many also experience discrimination in employment and unequal access to health services, education and the justice system. In different countries, property and inheritance laws, as well as government policies, can entrench poverty among women and girls and, as a result, their dependence on men. Long-term change is also made more difficult while women in the region remain significantly underrepresented in political decisionmaking. Advancing the human rights of women and girls is not something that will happen on its own accord. Nor will a “business as usual” approach deliver any genuine progress towards gender equality. That is why it is important that national human rights institutions (NHRIs) play a prominent role to lead legislative, policy and attitudinal change. In 2012, NHRIs from across the globe endorsed the Amman Declaration and Programme of Action. In the same year, APF members also approved the APF Action Plan on the Human Rights of Women and Girls. Both these documents set out concrete actions that NHRIs can take to promote gender equality and address discrimination, violence and other human rights violations against women and girls. This Manual aims to support NHRIs as they carry out this vital work. It provides practical information on how NHRIs can use their monitoring, investigation, advisory, reporting and education functions to respond to human rights violations and promote gender equality. A number of “good practice” examples from APF member institutions are featured throughout. In addition, NHRIs should demonstrate a commitment to the human rights of women and girls in the way they go about their own work. Accordingly, the Manual outlines a range of steps that NHRIs can take to “mainstream” gender equality and the human rights of women and girls across the full range of their activities and operations. With NHRIs increasingly focused on the critical importance of promoting and protecting the human rights of women and girls, the APF will use this Manual in a new blended-learning course to provide key staff and leaders within NHRIs with the skills and knowledge to undertake this important work. I trust this Manual will be a valuable resource to NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region and other parts of the world. Kieren Fitzpatrick Director Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions iii