3.2. GENDER MAINSTREAMING THE EXTERNAL WORK OF AN NHRI26 NHRIs have the potential to be powerful organisations for the realisation of a nation’s human rights. Gender mainstreaming the functions and responsibilities of an NHRI will strengthen its ability to do this important work. There are nine areas of an NHRI’s external work where gender mainstreaming may apply. These areas will intersect with each other and may vary according to the NHRI strategic direction and priorities. 1. 2. Provision of human rights advice Policy and legislative review 9. Engagement with international human rights mechanisms 8. Thematic inquiries and investigations 3. Human rights education External work of a gender mainstreamed NHRI 5. 7. Court proceedings and interventions 4. Detention monitoring 6. Complaints handling and mediation Monitoring implementation of human rights commitments Section 3: Gender mainstreaming in an NHRI | 39