The Office of the Commissioner for Gender Equality has called for expert and stakeholder feedback on its draft Gender Mainstreaming Law 2024, with submissions open until 20 December 2024.
The legislation, developed in collaboration with the Law Commissioner’s Office and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order, aims to mandate gender impact considerations in legislative initiatives, budgeting, and policy planning across ministries, deputy ministries, and wider public sector organisations.
The commissioner’s office noted that gender mainstreaming, as defined by the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), serves as a tool for achieving equality between men and women.
The European Commission has been committed to incorporating gender perspectives in EU policies since 1996, alongside measures to eliminate and prevent gender inequalities.
Under the proposed law, all government departments and public sector bodies will be required to develop, improve and evaluate their legislative initiatives, policies, measures, actions, and budgeting procedures while considering their differential impact on men and women.
The Commissioner for Gender Equality will oversee the law’s implementation, working with Gender Equality Officers across government departments who form the Committee for Implementation of the National Strategy for Gender Equality.
Interested parties can submit comments and suggestions on the draft legislation until the December deadline.
(information from CNA)
