Equality between women and men as a fundamental human right of the european union

• Author: Ivanus Catalina-Adriana
• Position: Law Department, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania
• Pages: 82-86

AGORA International Journal of Juridical Sciences, www.juridicalj ournal.univagora.ro

ISSN 1843-570X, E-ISSN 2067-7677

No. 2 (2012), pp. 82-86

82

EQUALITY BETWEEN WOMEN AND MEN AS A FUNDAMENTAL

HUMAN RIGHT OF THE

EUROPEAN UNION

C. A. Ivnu

Ctlina-Adriana Ivnu

Law Department,

The Bucharest University of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania

* Correspondence: Ctlina-Adriana Ivnu, The Bucharest University of Economic Studies,

the Law Department, 6 Piata Romana, 1st district, Bucharest, Romania

E-mail: catalinaivanus@gmail.com

Abstract

Combating persisting gender inequalities in all spheres of society is a longer-term

challenge, since it entails structural and behavioral changes and a redefinition of the roles of

women and men. Progress is slow, and gender gaps persist as regards employment rates, pay,

working hours, and positions of responsibility, share of care and household duties, and risk of

poverty.

Equality between men and women is now indisputably recognized as a basic principle

of democracy and respect for human rights.

Keywords: fundamental rights, equality, gender, European Union

Introduction

Combating inequalities between women and men is a constant challenge to the

international community. This involves a long-term challenge in all spheres of society,

including structural and behavioral changes and a redefinition of the roles of women and

men. Progress is slow, and gender gaps persist as regards employment rates, payment,

working hours, positions of responsibility, share of care and household duties, and risk of

poverty.

Equality between men and women is now indisputably recognized as a basic principle

of democracy and respect for human rights.

1. Conceptual delimitation

‘Gender’ refers to social and cultural differences between women and men who are

learned in time and which changes over time. ‘Sex’ refers to the biological differences

between male and female

1

. Sexual characteristics are acquired at birth, and the gender

characteristics are gained through socialization.

Gender equality means offering equal rights to women and men. This is a de jure

equality which doesn’t lead automatically to a de facto equality.

Gender equality means that all human beings are free to develop their personal abilities

and make choices without limitations set by strict gender roles

2

.

Discrimination on the grounds of sex includes (according to EU legislation): direct

discrimination, indirect discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment.

1

Irina Moroianu Zltescu, Mihaela Muraru-Mandrea, Egalitate. Nediscriminare. Bun administrare, I.R.D.O.

Publisher, Bucharest, 2008, pp. 99-100.

2

Idem p. 101.