In practice, it is generally only HoMs who are nominated to serve as committee or council heads, therefore, the first barrier to entry at this level is navigating the politically charged competition for a HoM position. In addition, women’s voices, agency and visibility are crucial to a world vision in which gender equality is the norm. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same but that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female. Adapted from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Empowered and Equal: UNDP Gender Equality Strategy 2008-2011 (2008), cited in Commonwealth Secretariat (2012).