Facilitating an NHRI Gender Audit 1.2 Agreeing on the human rights principles to guide the audit You will adapt the Gender Audit process to suit your NHRI’s context and priorities, but the following six overall principles may help you plan and carry out your Gender Audit (Fig 1). These principles are loosely aligned to a human rights approach and aim to ensure your Gender Audit not only focuses on achieving gender equality, but that it also practices gender equality. Figure 2: Examples of principles to guide your Gender Audit Participation Your NHRI will ensure that all those who have an interest in and/or are affected by the Gender Audit contribute to it. Example: Staff responsible for gender equality are included in the audit team Accountability The Gender Audit process will monitor and report on how women’s rights are being affected by the NHRI. Example: Audit methods chosen ensure the experiences of women staff are heard and reported on. Non-discrimination, inclusion and equality The Gender Audit does not discriminate or perpetuate inequalities. Example: Barriers for engaging in the audit are assessed and minimised. Empowerment The Gender Audit will increase understanding of gender equality and strengthen its gender equality practices amongst individual staff and the NHRI as a whole. Example: By taking part in the audit, the NHRI will form a baseline on which to strengthen its efforts toward gender equality. Decisions made are linked with human rights norms and standards The Gender Audit is based on the legal rights set out by local and international laws related to gender equality. Example: The audit promotes CEDAW’s 3 dimensional view of equality (refer to Guidelines for Mainstreaming the Human Rights of Women and Girls, section 1.1). Balancing human rights and prioritising those most vulnerable The Gender Audit will identify all human rights that are relevant, maximise respect for all rights-holders and prioritise those of the most vulnerable where necessary. Example: The audit analyses salary levels against gender in the NHRI. 13