Promoting equality, strengthening democracy: Turning the Bundestag into a gender-sensitive parliament
When
Where
Organized by
Parliaments are pivotal to advancing equality in public life. This parliamentary breakfast brings together Bundestag leadership, international experts and ODIHR to explore practical ways to strengthen gender-balanced representation, gender-sensitive law-making and oversight, and safer, more inclusive parliamentary workplaces. The discussion builds on international standards and European practice and reflects the Bundestag’s ongoing efforts to become a more gender-sensitive and family-friendly institution.
The event will be complemented with a civil society workshop on the topic, targeting NGOs working on gender equality in politics in Germany.
Background
Across Europe, legislatures and partners from academia and civil society have been translating the concept of a “gender-sensitive parliament” into concrete measures — from internal reforms and action plans to audits of leadership, decision-making, and day-to-day operations. ODIHR’s guidance consolidates lessons from dozens of parliaments and offers a step-by-step methodology for participatory gender audits, with a focus on representation, legislative work and oversight. In June 2025, ODIHR convened European parliaments in Helsinki to endorse renewed commitments (“Helsinki Pledges”) encouraging assemblies to undertake gender audits and adopt parliamentary action plans.
Participation
Participation is only by invitation.
Contact
In case of questions, please reach out to Saša Gavrić, ODIHR’s Officer in charge of gender equality in politics — sasa.gavric@odihr.pl