WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN DECISION-MAKING

Gender equality is one of the factors that promotes social progress and economic growth of the country. Gender equality means equal recognition of women and men despite the differences they possess and different roles they play in the society. Although a progress of participation of women in social and economic life has already been achieved, women are still insufficiently using their opportunities to participate in decision-making process in political, economic and business areas. The aim of the research: to study the tendencies of women participation in decision making process in political, economic and business areas. The following tasks were set in order to reach the goals of the research: 1) to reveal the essence of implementation of gender equality; 2) to research the key trends in women's participation in decision-making. The analysis of scientific literature shows that despite a huge variety of people, which is conditioned by many aspects (including gender aspect), individuals must have equal opportunities to realise their human potential, and equality in decision-making is one of the priorities of the EU. The analysis of statistics reveals that changes are necessary in order to change the situation of political representation of women. In most Member States, women continue to be under-represented in decision-making processes and positions, in particular at the highest levels. Men dominate in the private sector, while the sector of private business includes much less women as key managers than men.