Why Does the Czech Government Need a Gender Audit? Cover Image

Proč česká vláda potřebuje genderový audit?
Why Does the Czech Government Need a Gender Audit?

Author(s): Tereza Hendlová
Subject(s): Gender Studies
Published by: AV ČR - Akademie věd České republiky - Sociologický ústav
Keywords: politics; gender audit; gender equality

Summary/Abstract: The Czech government is obliged to guarantee equality for men and women. Despite that, it recognizes this duty only in theory; in practice it contravenes the principles of this formal agreement. The government’s programme, politics, legislation, and state budget and governmental structures are marked by a lack of gender equity and the failure to promote women’s rights. The hidden structural mechanisms causing gender discrimination can be analyzed by means of a gender audit of the government. This is an effective tool for defining the most critical areas of state politics, and it creates a relevant strategy for challenging negative effects. In doing so, a gender audit of the government can also be a rich source of public education and can help to promote public and political discussion on the topic of gender issues. In this article, the author argues in favour of carrying out a gender audit of the Czech government and its politics. She explains how certain areas of politics affect men and women differently, and how their gender-correct transformation can positively contribute to democratic and just governance.

  • Issue Year: 09/2008
  • Issue No: 01
  • Page Range: 8-15
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: Czech