The European Union оrganizational and legal mechanism for ensuring gender equality

Abstract

The article analyzes the provisions of founding treaties of the European Union, in particular, the Treaty on the European Union, the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the European Social Charter regarding their consolidation of the principle of gender equality, which has been formed since the adoption of the UN Charter as a fundamental international universal act, contributed to the further development and adoption of norms at the international universal and regional levels based on gender principle. Attention is focused on the features of EU acts and it is stated that they have expanded the principle of equality between women and men, including working conditions, social security, access to goods and services, balance between work and private life, maternity protection, parental leave and equal treatment in the workplace and as self-employed persons.Attention is paid to EU strategic acts in this sphere, including: Strategic commitments to ensure gender equality, Gender equality strategies, Gender Action Plan – putting women and girls’ rights at the heart of the global recovery for a gender-equal world. The directions and obligations contained in the specified acts are disclosed; the EU measures adopted for their implementation (development of relevant recommendations, adoption of directives, preparation of annual reports) are outlined and attention is focused on perspective directions of the Union’s activities in this area.Attention is focused on the activities of specialized agencies, bodies and other structures whose competence include issues of protection of human rights and gender equality as their integral component, among which are indicated: the Advisory Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men, European Ombudsman, European Institute for Gender Equality, EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, European Women’s Lobby, European Network of Legal Experts on Gender Equality and Non-Discrimination. Their powers, legal basis of activity, competence and contribution to ensuring human rights in general and, in particular, the principle of gender equality within the EU, are characterized.