Implementation Guidelines for Regional Action Plan on Human Rights Defenders Any awareness-raising campaign, advocacy program, program to strengthen national legal protections or other actions by NHRIs should be developed taking into consideration the risks faced by and needs of WHRDs. Risks faced and protection needs of WHRDs should be taken into consideration in the implementation of each national action included in this Guide, mainstreaming a gender approach across all actions. B. Disaggregation of data according to gender Another factor that helps perpetuate violence against WHRDs is the lack of recognition and documentation of that violence. For example, WHRDs may be detained in a demonstration, and they may also be sexually harassed and verbally abused by the officials detaining them, though that harassment may not be recognized nor reported. Similarly, data documenting violence against defenders is often not disaggregated by gender, nor are there indicators to analyse specific violence against WHRDs. An additional impact of this lacking data is that it results in fewer resources for specific protection for WHRDs.27 As defined in the APF Guide to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL),28 disaggregated data are data collected, analysed and presented separately, according to subcategories, that enable greater analysis and identification of trends/ discrimination. e.g. gender disaggregated data. Gender-disaggregated data and information enables one to assess ongoing violations and develop appropriate, evidence-based responses and policies. Such data ideally are collected covering several years to track changes and take corrective action. Civil society organizations, including NGOs, women’s rights organisations and HRDs, can be precious allies in gathering information about the potential or actual impact of policies, and they should be consulted regularly. It is important to keep in mind that gender-disaggregated data should not be too ‘women-only’ focused. Non-binary, trans men and women, and other HRDs with actual or perceived gender identities, expressions and sex characteristics that place them in a particular situation of vulnerability should also be considered. You can also play an important role in building the awareness of statisticians and representatives of government ministries of gender issues through information campaigns and training programmes. Some examples of gender-disaggregation of data at the national level found in the OECD’s ‘Toolkit for Mainstreaming and Implementing Gender Equality’.29 APF can provide lessons and information around how to ensure that data on violations against HRDs are disaggregated according to gender. 18 27 https://www.awid.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/Our%20Right%20To%20Safety_FINAL.pdf 28 https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.asiapacificforum.net/resources/monitoring-evaluation-accountability-and-learning-guide-national-human-rights-institutions/&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1637346715487000&usg=AOvVaw27_lucT1tMwipZuFQOjUZY 29 www.oecd.org/gender/governance/toolkit/government/assessment-of-gender-impact/disaggregated-data/