Issues of gender discrimination in Ukraine: legislative innovations and new challenges

Abstract

The article examines the peculiarities of the implementation of gender policy by the Ukrainian state. The main features of international and European legislation aimed at eliminating gender discrimination and establishing the principle of equal treatment are studied. The terms found in the domestic legislation are analyzed – «discrimination», «affirmative actions». It is emphasized that a distinction should be made between the terms «smart adaptation» and «affirmative action». One example of positive action is the so-called gender quotas in elections.
 The author emphasizes that the equality of the sexes in the army, police, and other previously purely «male» professions is an indicative characteristic of the Ukrainian state's desire to be equal to the world's leading states in gender issues. Undoubtedly, this is a specific part of the objective process of real reality and the strengthening of the role and influence of women in society.
 The implementation of gender policy in Ukraine is considered on the example of the spheres of military service and so-called «peaceful» professions.
 Emphasis is placed on the fact that strict adherence to obligations under international agreements is a constitutional principle of the Ukrainian state. Legislative changes help eliminate inequalities between women in the use of rights compared to men. However, it should be borne in mind that both men and women are equal but not similar in terms of, at least, physiological characteristics. Providing the same mechanism for realizing their potential should not be an obstacle to ensuring special rights tied to the objective natural features of the articles. Additional preconditions for self-realization can be borne by additional risks – demographic, psychological, mental, etc. for a particular person and society as a whole. It is important to find a reasonable relationship between the protection of women’s rights and freedoms and the systematic use of their resources.