Strategic gender needs (SGNs) represent what women or men require in order to improve their position or status in regard to each other. They place people in greater control of themselves instead of limiting them to the restrictions imposed by socially defined roles. They are long-term (i.e. they aim to improve positions); they also intend to remove restrictions, and are less visible as they seek to change attitudes. Examples of addressing SGNs include actions such as giving rights to land, inheritance, credit and financial services; increasing participation of women in decision-making; creating equal opportunities to employment (equal pay for equal work); and improving social systems.