Civil Society Oversight of the Security Sector and Gender

This tool provides an introduction to the importance and benefits of integrating gender issues into civil society oversight of the security sector, including practical examples and recommendations. Civil society can contribute to the process of security sector oversight in a number of different ways, including through both formal and i nformal mechanisms. Ensuring that gender issues are addressed, and that women and women's organisations are fully included, can make these mechanisms more participatory and comprehensive. Gender - responsive civi l society oversight mechanisms can more effectively ensure that the needs and interests of both women and men are visible and included, and therefore that the security sector is held accountable for protecting all members of the population.