Summary
In 2021, Serbia enacted a new Law on Gender Equality, aimed at promoting gender equality and preventing discrimination based on gender in all areas of society. The law replaces the previous Law on Gender Equality from 2009 and aims to align with international standards, including the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women. The law establishes a framework for promoting gender equality, including the establishment of gender equality bodies and the development of national action plans on gender equality. It also prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender in employment, education, healthcare, and other areas, and requires public institutions to promote gender equality in their policies and practices. The law recognizes the importance of eliminating gender stereotypes and promoting women's empowerment, including through measures such as affirmative action and support for women's entrepreneurship. It also provides for measures to protect women from gender-based violence and harassment, including through the establishment of support services and the criminalization of certain forms of violence against women.