To promote gender equity, there are key measures and areas of action: Legislative reform is an effective strategy for the promotion of women and girls’ autonomy and for safeguarding their rights. Mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender related violence are necessary. Governments should apply existing laws, promote new laws and address common law legislation that discriminates against women. The allocation of new resources to achieve gender equity. Equitable and effective investment is essential for the elimination of gender-based discrimination. More resources should be made available, they should be appropriately used and be integrated into government budgets and plans. Guaranteeing that men and women have the same educational opportunities is one of the most effective measures in the fight against gender-based discrimination. The educational curriculum should emphasize the importance of gender equality and pro-male prejudices in the classroom should be addressed. Affirmative action policies are an effective way of guaranteeing progress towards gender equity. In particular, quotas enable women to overcome obstacles that hinder their participation in political life. Of the 20 countries in the world that have the most women in Parliament, 17 employ some type of quota system. back Social Watch Gender Equity Index Recent GEI trends (2004-2007) GEI values in 2007