POSITIVE ACTIONS AS A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN AND MEN

Abstract

Background. Equality in the opportunity to realize one's potential and fulfill one's aspirations is becoming a reality for people today in a democratic state. The "policy of positive actions" has been implemented by democratic governments on various continents for almost a hundred years, leading to the spread of a culture of tolerance and expanding opportunities for marginalized groups. The policy of positive actions is not a single measure but a comprehensive set of structural and instrumental reforms that have clear time frames and specific results to achieve the goal. One example is the establishment of quotas for political parties or during elections at various levels of decision-making processes. The main task of the "policy of positive actions" is to create equal opportunities for different social groups, particularly helping women and girls overcome inequality in society. At the same time, the implementation of this policy must be approached comprehensively, analyzing each step. The criteria for forming and implementing this policy must be transparent and understandable to the entire population to avoid adverse effects.

Methods. To obtain reliable research results, systemic and historical approaches, as well as analytical methods, were used. The systemic approach, as a specific strategy for scientific cognition and practical activity, allowed considering the complex object of gender mainstreaming through the system of positive actions. The historical approach enabled the objectification of the process of developing the theory and practice of the policy of positive actions, revealing the peculiarities of its development over time, which contributed to the concreteness, logic, and consistency of the material presented. The structural-morphological method, aimed at searching for informational support for the stated problem, allowed an analysis of the normative-legal support of the policy of positive actions.

Results. In the history of Ukraine's independence, we have a positive experience of implementing the "policy of positive actions": soft quotas in public service and "gender quotas" during local elections in 2020 under the new electoral legislation. For the first time in these elections, a mandatory 40% gender quota was in effect (Electoral Code of Ukraine, Article 154). The consequences and influence of introducing quotas on political culture and changing public perceptions of women's political participation have evolved, and many qualified women from various cities and villages of Ukraine entered local councils. During the military aggression of Russia against Ukraine, there is a need to develop a methodology for applying the "policy of positive actions" to help the country ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men, girls and boys at various levels of decision-making processes and in all sectors for economic recovery and improving social guarantees. At the same time, it is necessary to remember the accompanying actions and the complexity of solving the problem, which requires further scientific research.

Conclusions. Ukraine needs a systemic approach and consolidated actions by public authorities to adopt a political decision to expand the policy of positive actions to the economic sector. The implementation of the policy of positive actions should be accompanied by systematic research and supporting measures, which should become the norm not only for the public sector but also for the private sector. Such a comprehensive approach will expand women's economic opportunities and impact the transformation of patriarchal social culture as a whole.