PROMOTING GENDER EQUALITY Value to members of promoting gender equality 3 3 7 very high high medium low very low no response 9 Source: APF Member Survey 2016 What we achieved >> Provided practical support to our members in their efforts to promote and protect the rights of women, including a ground-breaking workshop on reproductive rights in Afghanistan. >> Ensured gender considerations were integrated and measured across all areas of our work – including budgets, activities and staffing – providing a model for others to adopt. APF members have made promoting and protecting the human rights of women and girls a priority in their respective countries. It is also a focus for collective action through the APF. We have developed a specialised and integrated approach to our work in this area, which our members value highly. A highlight of 2015–2016 was the success of our long-standing campaign for NHRIs to have an independent voice at future sessions of the UN Commission on the Status of Women. More information on this historic outcome is available on page 21. Supporting our members work on women’s rights Many APF members have been extremely courageous in confronting a range of taboo issues concerning women and girls, such as rape, ‘honour’ killings and domestic violence. This powerful work continued over the past year with our members: >> Urging an end to the practice of so-called ‘virginity tests’ by government doctors (Afghanistan) >> Conducting a national inquiry to address inequality and discrimination in accessing reproductive health services (Philippines) >> Reporting on the trafficking of women and girls into situations of abuse and sexual exploitation (Nepal) >> Enhancing systems to support coronial investigations into deaths resulting from family violence deaths (Australia). Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions Annual Report 2015–16 > 17