Security Sector Reform (SSR) is increasingly prioritized by governments, and on the agenda of international development, peace and security communities. SSR opens a window of possibility to transform security policies, institutions and programmes, creating opportunites to integrate gender issues.

The integration of gender issues is being recognised as a key to operational effectiveness, local ownership and strengthening oversight. For example, increasing the recruitment of female staff, preventing human rights violations, and collaborating with women's organisations contribute to creating an an efficient accountable and participatory security sector, which responds to the specific needs of men, women, girls and boys.

Despite the recognition of the importance of integrating gender issues in SSR, there has been a lack of resources on the topic. This toolkit is an initial response to the need for information and analysis on gender and SSR, It is designed to provide policy makers and practicioners with a practical introduction to why gender issues are important in SSR and what can be done to integrate them.

Each SSR context is unique. As such, the strategies and recommendations provided in the Toolkit may not always be directly applicable, and should always be adapted to the local context.

The topics of the 12 Tools and corresponding Practice notes are: