Twenty-seven responding countries indicate that they have institutional mechanisms for the advancement of women in place that include gender Ministries, Departments or units. In addition, some countries have gender focal points in other sectoral ministries; parliamentary committee on women; and National Women’s Council.

Although most countries have established gender machineries in compliance with international obligations, they have largely been “ineffective” due to limitations in human and financial resources to enable them implement their mandates.

Gender focal persons tend to play other routine functions and therefore neglect their gender mainstreaming tasks. Gender machineries are also affected by high staff turnover.

Measures to strengthen institutional mechanisms include vesting the responsibility for the advancement of women in the highest possible level of government such as the Cabinet minister; defining clear mandates and authority for the institutions; providing adequate resources; providing staff training in designing and analyzing data from gender perspectives; and reporting, on a regular basis, to legislative bodies on the progress of efforts as appropriate so as to mainstream gender concerns, taking into account the implementation of the Platform for Action.