Your task in Phase 3 is to build your gender strategy. This phase is more technical than conceptual. In Phase 2, your NHRI agreed the key elements of the Strategic Framework. In this phase, you develop the detail. This work is usually limited to internal staff who are responsible for, or affected by, the agreed priorities and outcomes. External stakeholders are not usually involved in this part of the process. This section includes seven (7) steps to guide you through finalising your strategy. It also includes a checklist and an example from the fictitious Human Rights Commission of Assuwa. There are many ways to structure a gender strategy. Your approach should fit your NHRI and align with your Strategic Plan. You may also use other tools or activities in this phase. We are interested in hearing about them so they can help strengthen this resource over time. However you decide to frame your gender strategy, the following are suggested elements: Figure 8: The elements of a gender strategy Foreword About Us Our Strategic Context Gender Strategy on a Page Message from the Board Chair introducing and endorsing the Gender Strategy An overview of your NHRI An overview of the environment and drivers that explain why a gender strategy is needed. (As per Tool 5) How the Gender Strategy was developed An overview of how you developed your Gender Strategy Strategic Priorities A list of each of your priorities with a brief explanation about why they have been chosen Outcomes Framework A breakdown of each long-term outcome with suboutcomes, activities and indicators. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning An explanation about the approach you will take to check and report on progress and achievement and how you will maintain accountability to your stakeholders. Gender Strategy Toolkit 2026 47