Implementing gender equality standards: How Ukraine can draw on Lithuania’s experience

In late April, a Ukrainian delegation traveled to Lithuania to exchange insights on the use of gender-disaggregated data in policymaking, advocacy, and implementation. During the visit, the delegation highlighted Ukraine’s recent progress in advancing gender equality, including the launch of the country’s first-ever Gender Equality Index.

Speaking at Media Center Ukraine about the outcomes of the trip, Nelli Yakovleva, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, the Deputy Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights, Deoccupation and Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories, National Minorities and Interethnic Relations, underscored the significance of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in this field.

“I believe that the conference held in the Seimas serves as a strong example of interparliamentary collaboration. I’d like to thank the Ukrainian Women’s Fund. Our delegation was well-balanced, and I think we effectively demonstrated unity among various government bodies as well as with civil society representatives,” Yakovleva stated.

She commended Lithuania’s achievements in addressing gender-based violence and sexual harassment – issues that, she noted, remain especially critical for Ukraine amid ongoing wartime conditions.

“When we consider examples that may be particularly relevant to our own gender equality efforts, Lithuania has shown notable success in countering gender-based violence and sexual harassment. We understand that in Ukraine, the number of such incidents is rising – an indirect consequence of Russia’s full-scale aggression,” the lawmaker emphasized.

Yakovleva noted that while the term “sexual harassment” has already been codified in Ukrainian legislation, practical enforcement remains a work in progress.

“Lithuania has developed effective practical mechanisms, and although we have introduced the term ‘sexual harassment’ into Ukrainian law, we recognize the ongoing need to strengthen implementation, prosecution, and build a culture that actively combats it,” she said.

She also highlighted Lithuania’s institutional framework for supporting gender equality.

“I would like to point out the model we observed during meetings with officials such as the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman. In Lithuania, this is a fully independent institution appointed by parliament. This structure clearly reflects how highly the country prioritizes equal rights and opportunities,” Yakovleva explained.

She further praised Lithuania’s commitment to barrier-free environments and social inclusion.

“I was personally impressed by the degree to which care for people with disabilities, inclusive infrastructure, and accessibility are embedded into Lithuanian public life,” she noted.

In her view, Lithuania’s approach to combating discrimination is notably structured and methodical.

“Overall, I must say that the process of addressing discrimination in Lithuania is comprehensive and systematic. That said, it’s not an issue that can be resolved overnight. It’s an ongoing, structured effort that is continuously maintained,” she said.

In conclusion, Yakovleva stressed that such exchanges must be mutual, noting that Ukraine also brings valuable insights to the table.

“I can say that we have many areas for meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange. This isn’t just a one-way transfer of experience – Ukraine, too, has significant contributions to make in the field of gender equality,” she affirmed.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news