Political and economic dimensions of gender equality in Ukraine and the EU

Abstract

The proposed gender equality study reviews the legal framework as well as political and economic narratives of ideas and practices in the area of equality of opportunities for men and women in Ukraine and the EU. The promotion of gender equality in Ukraine is not only meaningful from the point of view of human rights, the international commitments undertaken by the country (including the Beijing Declaration, the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals until 2030, etc.), but also makes sense in economic terms. Based on the results of observations, conducted Ukrainian field studies on the analysis of the learning needs of women representatives of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), a list of internal problems and weaknesses, barriers that inhibit the growth of women's SMEs in Ukraine are formulated. The article provides some recommendations – in the form of conclusions – to facilitate the formation of positive changes in the area of political and economic empowerment of women in the country. The mentioned conclusions were presented during the author's participation in the public consultations, expert groups within the authorities.