Moving forward, however, ensuring the effective implementation and co-ordination of gender initiatives would require the identification of clear roles and responsibilities across governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, supported by realistic targets and both long- and medium-term strategic horizons to support the sustainability of gender equality efforts. Such an approach requires effective institutions responsible for promoting gender equality, with clear roles, mandates and co-ordination mechanisms to implement policies and practices necessary to achieve women’s full empowerment and mobilisation. These institutions are recognised globally as critical instruments for ensuring that public policy minimises different impacts on women and men and, more broadly, for creating societies free from gender discrimination, to foster national well-being and social cohesion, and mobilising the potential of every member of the society.