At MIGS, we recognise that discrimination against women takes many different forms. We are committed to eliminating this discrimination through a combination of research, lobbying and advocacy, education and training, awareness-raising, as well as the provision of expertise and consultancy services. We have a broad range of aims to do with gender equality and women’s rights: * To stimulate interest in gender research in the Mediterranean region where we have identified key areas of concern and potential action. * To carry our research on behalf of women with a view to promoting gender-related causes; review and use said research, statistical information and other available data in order to make relevant recommendations on policy and practices. * To identify gaps in current legislation and recommend updates or new legislative drafts that better reflect socio-cultural reality and protect women’s rights effectively. * To increase awareness of gender issues in civil society and facilitate the capacity for action by providing stakeholders with informational material and educational tools, such as training, campaigns, seminars, workshops and lectures. * To support and promote educational programmes on gender studies, including postgraduate work, in collaboration with research institutes and universities. * To develop methods and take initiatives on peace-building and conflict transformation in the context of gender issues. * To support initiatives and programmes, on a global and regional level, concerning issues affecting women’s lives such as domestic violence, substance abuse, trafficking, armed conflict, and the labour market. * To create and support networks with like-minded non-governmental organisations. * To support gender research through library and documentation services, including the introduction and promotion of a system of data collection by gender.