Ensuring the implementation of the principle of gender equality de jure and de facto: the experience of the countries of the European Union

Achieving equal rights and opportunities for men and women is an integral part of ensuring human rights. The international ranking of the gender gap calculated by the World Economic Forum shows that there is a very big difference in its reduction in different countries of the world. The European Union has achieved the best results. This indicates the effectiveness of its measures to overcome gender discrimination. The analysis showed that the countries-leaders consider gender equality not only as a constitutional principle, but also include it in national legislation. They require the development and implementation of plans to overcome the gender discrimination from all organizations with more than 25 (30) people. An effective mechanism has been created to control ensuring the principle of gender equality in these countries. It includes administrative measures, and criminal prosecution in some countries.