A draft APF Forum Council Resolution on Gender Policy is attached as Annex 6. As the membership of the APF is constituted of independent NHRIs (and not States) a slightly different approach to that taken by the WHA is warranted. In Annex 6: • The policy commitment is expressed as a gender advocacy platform common to all APF members. • Operational commitments apply to both member NHRIs and the secretariat. • A third aspect provides a governance framework for use by the APF secretariat in consolidating planning and reporting. 15.8 APF Gender Focal Point Identifying the role of a Gender Focal Point in the APF Secretariat is intended to provide leadership and to ensure the coordination and communication of different elements of gender mainstreaming practice. The gender focal point advocates for greater attention to gender perspectives, providing the necessary rationales and advice on approaches to support gender mainstreaming. Assigning the role to a senior manager facilitates the effectiveness of this function. The role of gender focal point is not fulltime; persons appointed as gender focal points normally have other areas of responsibility. The work of a gender focal point is to support gender mainstreaming by advocating, advising and supporting professional staff and monitoring and reporting on progress. Dissemination of information and competence development is also part of the work of the gender focal points. A summary of functions for the Gender Focal Point is given in the text box.6 The APF Secretariat Deputy Director has led the existing APF gender initiatives over many years. She maintains a network of gender equity advocates amongst APF members and secretariat staff and effectively functions as a ‘de facto’ APF gender focal point. By formalising this role, the APF signals the seriousness of its organisational commitment and facilitates the Functions of the APF Gender Focal Point • Act as adviser on gender mainstreaming to the Forum Council Chair • Policy, strategy and action plan on gender mainstreaming • Analysis, knowledge development and information activities • Support to gender mainstreaming in the secretariat • Support to members’ gender mainstreaming • Regular monitoring and reporting on gender mainstreaming • Representation, collaboration and resource base development. 6 Adapted from Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women Job description for a Gender Focal Point within the United Nations Secretariat.