Public Policy

Spain: Gender Equality Plans, Equal Pay and Pay Transparency

This Spotlight on Public Policy provides an overview of key legislation from the Government of Spain related to gender equality.

Spotlight on Public Policy - Parental Leave

This Spotlight on Public Policy provides an overview of policies implemented in G7 and European Union countries to benefit new parents and families.

Germany: Working Hours and Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Acts

Working hours in Germany have been regulated by law since 1994 when the Government introduced the Working Hours Act on 6 June to safeguard workers from long working hours and to ensure ade- quate periods of rest and breaks.

United Kingdom: Committee of Advertising Practice Rules Against Gender Stereotyping

New rules aimed at curbing gender stereotyping in advertisement were introduced by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) in the United Kingdom in June 2019.

France: Act for the Freedom to Choose One's Future Occupation

The Freedom to Choose One’s Future Occupation law was enacted in France on 5 September 2018, and it requires companies to ensure equal pay for work of equal value.

Italy: The Gender Parity Law

The Gender Parity Law was passed in 2011 and has had a major impact on board compositions of public companies in Italy, dramatically increasing women’s representation on boards.

Japan: The Act on the Promotion of Female Participation and Career Advancement in the Workplace

In Japan, women’s participation in the workplace has been underpinned by law since it entered into force on 1 April 2016. Legislation requires public and private sector companies to measure gender diversity-related data, create action plans to address gaps, and disclose this information.

Canada: Pay Equity Act

The Pay Equity Act of 2018 establishes a groundbreaking pay equity regime within the federal public and private sectors.

Estonia: Employment Contracts and Family Benefits Acts

Estonia offers some of the most extensive and well-compensated parental support policies in the world, including the longest fully paid maternity leave.Work-life balance, particularly in relation to parents, features prominently in public debates.

United States: The Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act

Recognizing the importance of women’s economic empowerment and financial resilience in addressing global poverty, the United States passed a law mandating a gender-sensitive approach to international development.