Advisers on gender issues must also consistently take account of and utilize ...

Advisers on gender issues must also consistently take account of and utilize the information gathered by local women's organizations. Every effort must be made to ensure that their perspectives are heard and considered by the highest decision-making entities and structures. It is equally important that women be fully represented in those bodies in field missions and all other platforms. Wherever necessary, training, capacity- building and assistance need to be provided for women's full participation in the areas of non-governmental organization leadership skills, advocacy, management, administration, communication and dealing with the media, for only then will true empowerment be possible. We can benefit from best-practice models, lessons learned and exchanges of information between missions and United Nations country teams.