Why is this necessary? GEI data form the basis for shaping European gender equality policies. It is precisely on the basis of these data that relevant norms of European legislation are adopted. Thus, the Index helps identify where inequalities exist — and therefore where policy needs to be changed. Because equal opportunities are about a better quality of life for everyone: fair pay, access to services, participation in decision-making, and free time for oneself and one’s family.
“The Index reflects both our achievements and potential areas for progress, while also allowing us to view our successes in comparison with EU Member States. It is a step towards systematic reform planning in the field of ensuring equality between women and men, as well as an inclusive approach to the country’s reconstruction,” said Olha Stefanishyna, Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine – Minister of Justice of Ukraine.
For Ukraine, the launch of the national Index, explains Kateryna Levchenko, Government Commissioner for Gender Policy, opens up the possibility of analysing the situation with equality between women and men using a single methodology applied by the European Union:
“The development of the Gender Equality Index is a major step for Ukraine toward harmonising national policy on equal rights and opportunities for women and men with that of the European Union. The EU — which we are striving to join — aims to become a society of equal opportunities for women and men. Since 2010, the components of the Index have been used to monitor progress in this area across all EU Member States and the European Union as a whole. For Ukraine, the introduction of a national Index means an opportunity to analyse the situation of women and men using a methodology aligned with that of the European Union.”
Work on calculating the GEI lasted nearly two years. The working group, initiated by the Ukrainian Women’s Fund, included experts from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the Institute for Demography and Social Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the Office of the Government Commissioner for Gender Policy, as well as independent experts. According to the final calculations, Ukraine’s Gender Equality Index currently stands at 61.4 out of 100 — 10 points below the EU average. The European Union’s targeted policy aimed at bridging gender gaps is clearly bearing fruit: in none of the six domains assessed did Ukraine rank last, and in terms of the overall score, it outperforms several EU Member States. A key outcome of the GEI calculation was the confirmation of Ukraine’s closeness to European standards, notes Inesa Senyk, Director of the Department of Social Statistics at the State Statistics Service of Ukraine: “The purpose of the Index was to see ourselves in a broader context — to understand where the gaps are and where we are performing better. Overall, the GEI results indicate that European standards and values of gender equality resonate with Ukrainian women and men. Ukraine has the potential to reach average European indicators.”
The integration of the GEI indicators into Ukrainian policies has already begun. On 29 November 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved updated targets and indicators for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. And among the indicators of the goal – “Gender Equality” – there are now some indicators from the European Union’s Gender Equality Index. This is an important step that demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment not only to aligning with European approaches but also to embedding them into its own strategic planning system.
The introduction of the Gender Equality Index is not just a technical innovation, but a strategic step for Ukraine’s development. It is crucial for effective governance, economic growth, and the country’s movement toward the European Union. By taking the Index into account when making decisions, the state will be better equipped to identify the real needs of its people, build evidence-based policies, and move closer to European standards in public administration. The next step will be to institutionalise the GEI to ensure its regular updates.
If GEI indicators are calculated consistently, they can enrich both strategic and operational plans for implementing public policies, while also contributing to Ukraine’s implementation of binding EU Directives and Regulations aimed at ensuring gender equality across EU countries.
The material was produced in framework of the Action “Network of gender think tanks: capacity development for advanced policy design, impact assessment, strategic advocacy, and specialized policy communications” implemented by the Ukrainian Women’s Fund with the support of the European Union. Contents of the publication are the sole responsibility of UWF.