New ODIHR study highlights recommendations for increasing effectiveness of regional gender equality mechanisms in Ukraine

A presentation of a new report commissioned by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) that examines the effectiveness of gender equality mechanisms at the regional level in Ukraine, was hosted by the Equal Opportunities Caucus of Ukraine’s parliament on 12 October 2018 in Kyiv.

The “Study of the Effectiveness of Regional-Level Gender Equality Mechanisms in Ukraine: The Way Forward” identifies several key challenges impacting the effectiveness of national instruments for gender equality and offers recommendations to address these shortcomings. The recommendations include institutionalizing the positions of regional gender advisers, introducing further capacity-building measures and strengthening the monitoring of gender equality standards at the regional level.

“The report represents the continuation of ODIHR’s assistance towards strengthening democratic institutions in Ukraine and the OSCE region,” said Tiina Kukkamaa-Bah, Chief of the ODIHR Democratic Governance and Gender Unit. “Strengthening mechanisms for gender equality and gender mainstreaming efforts are key to ensure that democratic institutions equally serve both women and men. This is of great importance for Ukraine, as women still face challenges affecting their enjoyment of equal opportunities and rights.”

Mariia Ionova, Co-chair of the Equal Opportunities Caucus, said: “Regional gender equality mechanisms are important vehicles for advancing gender equality in everyday lives of women and men in Ukraine. A better understanding of the needs and challenges at the regional level, which this study can provide, is essential for effective policy-making.”

The study is part of an ODIHR project launched in 2015 to enhance effective mechanisms for dialogue among civil society and key government stakeholders to address human rights issues in the country, in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards. The study also contributes to ODIHR’s efforts to support the implementation of the 2004 OSCE Action Plan for the Promotion of Gender Equality. The Action Plan mandates ODIHR to provide know-how to participating States and support the development of democratic institutions for advancing gender equality at the local and national levels.