Legal aspects of gender equality and their legislative consolidation

Presently, not only the equality of rights and freedoms is vital, but also the legal consolidation of equality between men and women in the ability to fully use all those rights and freedoms in various spheres of social life, which are guaranteed and ensured by the state. The purpose of this study was to investigate the terms “gender” and “gender equality” in the context of international regulatory documents and Ukrainian legislation on ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men as an integral part of the general rights of a person and a citizen. Among the key research methods were dialectical, logical-legal, and hermeneutic, which helped analyse the terms “gender” and “gender equality” and determine the regulatory framework of documents on ensuring and guaranteeing gender equality of both sexes. Using the comparative method, the compliance of Ukrainian legislation with international standards of gender policy was compared and analysed. This paper presents the results of the characterization and interpretation of the norms of legal documents and legislation regarding their compliance with the principles of gender equality. The essence of terms “gender” and “gender equality” was covered. The main areas of ensuring the equality of men and women, which are guaranteed by Ukrainian and international legislation, were outlined. The need to include in all state programs some measures that ensure gender equality and meet the Sustainable Development Goals was substantiated. It was proved that both at the state and regional levels, it is expedient to conduct various trainings that cover gender aspects and raise awareness among employees to develop a professional gender-sensitive culture of the working environment. Emphasis was placed on the importance of measures to prevent violations of human and citizen rights and freedoms, as well as to ensure gender equality between men and women under martial law. The importance of mandatory prosecution and punishment of the Russian military, guilty of violence against Ukrainian women and men, was emphasized. The results of the study can be used both by scientists who investigate issues of gender equality and discrimination based on gender, and by representatives of state bodies whose sphere of competence includes the implementation of gender equality policy, as well as by students and teachers of law schools, everyone who is interested in issues of gender and equality.