National statistical systems need to regularly collect, analyse and disseminate data that address relevant gender issues. Gender statistics should document womens and men’s participation in and contributions to all social and economic areas and reflect the underlying causes and consequences of gender inequality (Hedman, Perucci and Sundstrom, 1996; United Nations, 2002). The coverage of gender issues by official statistical systems and the adequacy of such systems should be regularly reviewed, as recommended in paragraph 207 (b) of the Beijing Platform for Action (United Nations, 1996).