Transforming the gender stereotypes in Latvia: old problems and current developments : Comments paper – Latvia

This paper provides an overview of the existing gender equality legislation, policies and practices in Latvia in light of recent indications of Gender Equality index (EIGE, 2022a). It looks at equality status in such domains as employment, finances, education, political activity and representation, health and time balance between domestic and social spheres. It also addresses such issues as domestic violence and gender discrimination, which is still a problem in Latvia. On the positive side, it describes the emergence of healthy and modern understanding of gender roles, facilitated by the public events, such as “Forum Stand Up!” and Barbershop conference, the father’s movement, and men’s groups movement as well as various public forums, that are breaking away from norms and traditions, characteristic for post-authoritarian societies. The paper concludes that despite the significant progress made in the last decade, there is still much to be done to raise awareness of contemporary concepts of masculinity and femininity, as well as the involvement of men and boys in promoting social transformation towards a more gender-equal Latvia.