Latvia has chosen an integrated approach to gender equality, which means that gender equality should be seen as a horizontal principle that fits into all sectorial policies defined in the country (defense, foreign affairs, economics, finance, internal affairs, education, science, culture, welfare, transportation, justice, health, environment, regional development and agriculture) at all stages of their development and implementation, involving all stakeholders and partners.
Coordination of equal opportunities and rights policies for women and men in the responsibility of the Ministry of Welfare, which include:
- Clarification of gender equality principles for other public administration institutions;
- Involvement in the development of policy planning documents of other public administration institutions;
- Identification of the areas where different treatment on the basis of gender exists;
- Development of comprehensive vision of equal opportunities and rights for women and men.
Since 2010 a Gender Equality Committee has been set up to promote cooperation and participation of ministries, NGOs, social partners, municipalities and other relevant stakeholders, as well as to promote the implementation, monitoring and development of gender equality policies. The Committee has a key role to play in defining gender equality policy priorities, as well as in monitoring the implementation of gender equality principle in other sectorial areas.