Equality between men and women is not only a matter of democracy, but, also, a significant tool of economic growth and social cohesion. It constitutes a multi-dimensional factor: political, economic, social, developmental, all of these aspects dependent on each other. The respect for women's rights constitutes an integral part of human rights, and it is taken into account by the international organizations when evaluating the level of development of any country.

Recognizing equal opportunities for women, who constitute 52% of the total population of the country, ensures a more representative participation of all members of society, thus achieving broader social cohesion.

The General Secretariat for Gender Equality functions on the basis of the National Priorities of the country, employment, development and social cohesion, implementing an integrated and cohesive strategy for the period 2004 - 2008. Our policies include four axes with as many goals: promoting women to employment and combating the equality gap in the labour market, preventing and combating violence against women, combating stereotypic perceptions about the roles of the sexes through educational procedures, and reinforcing women's participation in decision-making centres.

We attend to the direct and constant harmonization and compliance of our institutional framework with the European priorities.

We create new institutions and new mechanisms contributing to an actual elimination of discriminations.

Through our presence and our active role at international and European level, we collaborate in policy-making, and we reinforce our mission.

We hope that you will find the information in our pages, concerning the overall role and services of the General Secretariat for Gender Equality, useful.

Issues relating to Gender Equality require knowledge and sensitivity to be tackled, due to their multi-dimensional character and the struggles such issues have called for through the years.