Gender Equality Act (2004)

The purpose of this Act is to ensure equal treatment of men and women as provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Estonia and to promote equality of men and women as a fundamental human right and for the public good in all areas of social life. To achieve this purpose, the Act provides for the prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sex in the private and public sectors; the obligation of state and local government authorities, educational and research institutions and employers to promote equality between men and women; and the right to claim compensation for damage. State and local government authorities are required to promote gender equality systematically and purposefully. Their duty is to change the conditions and circumstances that hinder the achievement of gender equality. Upon planning, implementation and assessment of national, regional and institutional strategies, policies and action plans, the authorities shall take into account the different needs and social status of men and women and consider how the measures applied and to be applied will affect the situation of men and women in society. The Act also provides for the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioner who is an independent and impartial expert who acts independently, monitors compliance with the requirements of this Act and the Equal Treatment Act and performs other functions imposed by law.