How to use the Toolkit The Toolkit can be used as a downloadable resource or as a self-facilitated online resource with practical step-by-step guidelines about how to develop a gender strategy in your national human rights institution. It is divided into four sections. 1 About gender strategies Defines gender as it is used in the Toolkit, discusses what a gender strategy is and why it is important for an NHRI to have one, introduces a two-pronged approach to gender work, and outlines why it is also important to incorporate gender into the whole-of-organisation NHRI strategic plan. 2 Develop your gender strategy Takes you through four stages involved in developing an NHRI gender strategy and the steps associated with each. (Fig 1): 1. Prepare your NHRI 2. Agree your Strategic Framework. 3. Build your strategy 4. Put the Strategy into Action 3 Tools for developing your gender strategy Tools for facilitating the development of a gender strategy using focus groups 4 Case Studies from around the region The Toolkit is accompanied by an online programme which is available on APF’s learning platform. At times, the APF will be able to offer programmes for NHRIs to support the development of your gender strategies. We recognise that NHRIs in the region already have gender strategies and processes in place. The Toolkit is not intended to replace this work. Rather, we hope it offers guidance, tools and resources that will support NHRIs to strengthen their work. We look forward to building and strengthening the Toolkit with case studies, tools and processes from NHRIs around the region. Gender Strategy Toolkit 2026 12