Legal Support for Gender Equality in the Workplace: Ukraine’s European Integration Progress

Abstract

The article explores the issue of gender inequality in employment, which remains relevant not only in Ukraine but also in countries with well-developed anti-discrimination legislation covering various aspects of life. International and national legal acts regulating gender equality in labor relations are analyzed, including the International Labour Organization Convention on Discrimination in Employment and Occupation, the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), strategies of the Council of Europe and the European Union, as well as Ukrainian legislation.

The complexity and multidimensionality of gender inequality in the workplace are emphasized, particularly its ability to transcend different spheres of life. While gender equality concerns individuals of both sexes, special attention is given to the discrimination women face in the labor sector.

The article outlines key manifestations of gender inequality in the Ukrainian labor market, including during wartime. It highlights that despite a significant number of legal provisions, the issue remains pressing due to the imperfections in their implementation mechanisms, the persistence of gender stereotypes, and insufficient support for women’s professional development. The necessity of further improvement of the legislative framework, the implementation of transparent wage policies, and the creation of conditions for balancing career and family life is stressed. The importance of international experience and European integration processes in overcoming gender inequality in Ukraine is also underscored.

As a result of the study, the authors concluded that the issue of gender inequality in the Ukrainian labor market remains acute and requires resolution. Despite important steps taken by all stakeholders, achieving gender equality in the workplace requires systemic changes and a long-term approach.