Introduction
The APF Secretariat (the Secretariat) has focused most particularly on the promotion and
protection of gender equality since 2010. Most recently gender equality has been included in the
Secretariat’s Strategic Plan (2022 – 2027) as one of three human rights priorities. The Strategic
Plan states:
“Promoting gender equality involves working towards equitable rights, responsibilities
and opportunities for all genders. Gender inequality is pervasive and entrenched in all
societies across the world, and without achieving gender equality, full human potential is
disregarded, and we cannot achieve the human rights outcomes we envision.”
The APF approach to achieving gender equality is a twin-track approach. It includes:
•
ensuring that gender equality is considered in all operations and functions (gender
mainstreaming), and
•
providing programmes, initiatives and resources that focus on gender equality (gender
specialisation).
Alongside the current strategic plan, the APF has renewed its gender strategy. The strategy
continues to focus on gender specialisation and gender mainstreaming initiatives and has three
key outcomes.
OUTCOME 1
Support APF members to focus on gender equality initiatives that promote and
protect the equitable rights, responsibilities and opportunities for all genders.
OUTCOME 2
Support APF members to mainstream gender into all aspects of their external
work, and internal operations.
OUTCOME 3
Strengthen APF secretariat’s internal performance against gender equality
measures.
In order to understand the current activity of APF members and their capacity to integrate gender
into internal operations and external work, the Secretariat undertook a Gender Baseline
Assessment (GBA) during July 2024. The results of the GBA aim to:
•
support the APF and its members, plan gender equality strategies and activities.
•
set a benchmark for future monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning processes.
To socialise the outcomes of the baseline assessment, this report will be presented for discussion
to the gender conference, Gender Inclusion in NHRIs, being held by the Nepal NHRI in September
2024.
The Secretariat wishes to thank all NHRIs who engaged in the GBA for the wealth of
information they provided, and the honesty and transparency with which it was shared.
Gender Baseline Assessment of NHRIs in the Asia Pacific region – July 2024
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