ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the positive policy changes aimed at reforming gender practices toward the goal of gender equality. It includes policies, programmes, procedures, structures, initiatives, and resources that affect an institution – both its internal culture and its external outreach. The chapter also examines the beginnings of gender work in security organizations and the conceptualization of 'gender practices' before moving to a discussion of sex- and gender-sensitive policies and programmes in the spaces. While gender practices, and specifically gender mainstreaming, take many forms, gender balancing is often the entry point for institutions. Gender-balancing reforms address a symptom of larger 'negative gender practices' within security and society. Additionally, gender mainstreaming and gender balancing do not constitute comprehensive gender practices as they are often overwhelmingly silent about men and masculinity. The chapter aims to discuss and debunk some of the myths and assumptions around gender policies in the context of international peace and security.
