Secretariat

The reference guide highlights the importance of gender issues and promotes integrating a gender perspective into field work. It is meant to assist staff members of OSCE field operations and decision-makers in helping post-conflict populations to recover, rebuild and realize the type of society where gender awareness and inclusiveness foster peace and prosperity.

The rights-based approach of the Guide recognizes that stable societies - and a stable world - are built on the acceptance of universal principles of human rights. Ultimately, the Guide is meant to help OSCE staff members in the field to consider and devise practical ways of pursuing the long-term objectives of equality and productivity, essential requirements in the achievement of a lasting peace.

First published in 2001, partially updated in 2007.