This SSR Backgrounder addresses why gender equality is essential to security sector reform (SSR). Gender equality is an international norm that stipulates the equal right of women and men to opportunities and resources irrespective of their gender. Good security sector governance (SSG) cannot be achieved without gender equality, and for this reason mainstreaming gender equality within the security sector is an essential aspect of SSR. This SSR Backgrounder explains the importance of gender mainstreaming in all activities related to the reform of security provision, management and oversight.

This SSR Backgrounder answers the following questions:

• What is gender equality and why is it essential to SSR?
• What international obligations relate to gender equality and SSR?
• What does gender mainstreaming mean for the security sector?
• How does SSR mainstream gender equality into security sector oversight?
• How does SSR mainstream gender equality into security sector management?
• How does SSR mainstream gender equality into security provision?