Promoting Gender Equality in the Eastern Neighbourhood Region

Abstract

This helpdesk report synthesises evidence on the drivers and opportunities for promoting gender equality in the Eastern Neighbourhood region. Although equality between women and men is enshrined in the constitutions and legal systems of all Eastern Neighbourhood countries, and all countries have ratified most of the important international conventions in this area without reservations; women are still subject to social discrimination. Discriminatory laws, social norms, and practices rooted in patriarchal systems inherited from the Soviet era have negative consequences and act as drags upon gender equality. Former Soviet states making the transition from a command economy to a market-driven system need to make changes in governance and accountability systems to allow for women to have agency and to benefit from any nominal status of gender equality. This report considers areas where there are outstanding opportunities to improve women’s situation in Eastern Neighbourhood countries.