Gender equality projects are being developed in Ukraine

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the first meeting of the Commission on Gender Equality chaired by its Chairman, Minister Dmytro Kuleba, and First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Japarova.

The participants of the meeting discussed the key provisions and the state of implementation of the Action Plan of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men in the system of bodies of the diplomatic service of Ukraine until the end of 2020. Particular attention was paid to the review of the draft Strategy for Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men in the System of Bodies of the Diplomatic Service of Ukraine.

Further steps in this area will include the launch of work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Association of Women Diplomats, the introduction of mentoring, the inclusion of gender approaches in the recruitment and promotion process, the promotion of gender equality awareness, and more.

“Ensuring equal rights and opportunities for women and men is, first of all, about equality. Therefore, our priority now is to expand the real opportunities for women diplomats in all areas of the diplomatic service. For this, we have both the political will and the resources,” said Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

The development of the Action Plan and Strategy was the result of an audit of equal rights and opportunities for women and men, conducted in cooperation with the UN-Women Office in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine became the first public authority in Ukraine to conduct such an audit in the framework of joining the international movement for gender equality “HeForShe” in 2018. Based on its results, independent experts prepared a report and developed a list of specific recommendations.

For reference: The initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to ensure gender equality aims to promote women’s leadership in the field of diplomatic activities and will expand the capabilities of women diplomats at the level of political decision-making. Equality is a fundamental principle of the EU and an integral part of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union.

Ukraine is committed to meeting key international standards for gender equality by strengthening institutional mechanisms for gender equality with an integrated approach to overcoming institutional constraints, including in the field of diplomatic service.

Natalia Tolub