Plan for the Promotion of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men 2018-2020

Brief Description

In Latvia, policy priorities and measures in the medium term, founding them on an integrated approach, are defined by the Plan for the Promotion of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men for 2018–2020. The objective of the Plan is to promote integrated, purposeful and 6 efficient implementation of sectorial policies thus facilitating the implementation of equal rights and opportunities for women and men into practice. 

Five directions of activities are set for achieving the goal: 
1) promotion of economic independence and equal opportunities for women and men in the labour market; 
2) promotion of equal educational opportunities for boys and girls, men and women; 
3) reduction of the prevalence of gender-based violence; 
4) strengthening the capacity of authorities in gender equality issues; 
5) Educating the public in gender equality issues. 

The Plan sets out measures to ensure implementation of the equality principles enshrined in the legislation as much as possible in practice, for example, by promoting the involvement of men in childcare and family responsibilities, identifying the main causes of the gender pay gap in certain sectors, promoting zero tolerance against violence against women. Range of measures is aimed at promotion of comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of equality between women and men among experts of authorities involved in education, labour and economic policy. A number of measures have also been identified through which it is planned to investigate, in depth, and link these sectors up with gender equality issues existent within them. In order to raise public awareness of gender issues, work on public awareness of policy outcomes will be stepped up, while simultaneously raising the profile of gender equality in daily life. The measures of the Plan, especially those affecting employment, education and gender-based violence, shall take into account the aspect of ensuring equal opportunities and rights for women and men with disability.