In line with international and European legal documents, gender equality is guaranteed in Latvian law in all spheres of life. The Most important of these legal norms that stipulate this principle is Article 91 of the Constitution of the Republic of Latvia, which states that “All human being shall be equal before the law and the courts. Human rights shall be realized without discrimination of any kind.”
Labour Law and Law on Labour Protection contain norms of equal pay, equal access to employment, vocational training and promotion, working conditions, parental leave, burden of proof in cases of discrimination based on sex, protection of pregnant workers, protection against harassment and sexual harassment, promotion of life-work balance. If a person is discriminated based on gender, he or she can turn to the State Labour Inspectorate. Additionally, the Ombudsman’s Office accepts and examines complaints towards any kind of discrimination. The process is free of charge.
In line with general political and legislative processes in the European Union, an increasing number of national laws are amended to include clauses of equal treatment.
Ministry of Welfare together with other line ministries and public administration institutions, as well as with other relevant stakeholders from NGO sector and social partners develops plans on the promotion of gender equality in Latvia. The latest Plan on the Promotion of Equal Rights and Opportunities for Women and Men 2021-2023 was adopted by the Government of Latvia on 17 August 2021. The aim of the plan is to ensure an integrated, targeted and effective policy that promotes equal rights and opportunities for women and men. To achieve this goal, three directions of action are set:
- equal rights and opportunities for women and men in the labour market and education;
- prevention of domestic violence and gender-based violence;
- strengthening gender mainstreaming in sectoral policies.