Significant positive change is evident in gender equality in Croatia in the last 15 years. These improvements, however, largely centred on legislative change and developing central key structures for gender equality. The legal framework ensuring the promotion of gender equality in Croatia has several intertwined parts. Gender equality is first guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, and then developed further in the Gender Equality Act.
As of September , there were no laws explicitly promoting gender equality in research. The National Policy for Gender Equality was a fundamental strategic document that aimed to eliminate discrimination against women and promote gender equality. It contained seven key areas of action and obliged the State to include a gender dimension in all policy areas. One of the seven action areas referred to improving the application of a gender-sensitive approach in education and training.
More specifically, measure 3. An earlier national report listed the fourth National Policy for Gender Equality as the essential strategic document for the development of gender equality in Croatia. However, the fifth National Strategy for Gender Equality for the period after has yet to be adopted. The Plan also included an activity to balance gender ratios in research organisations, particularly managerial positions.
It targeted women as a minimum one-third of national decision-making bodies, such as national councils, regional councils, field committees and scientific and political bodies. The Plan identified several crucial implementation priorities at national and European level, with Member States themselves deciding on the development of their national plans.
That Implementation Plan outlined the national strategic framework, guidelines for the development of science and technology, and a brief overview of the current situation in Croatia, by priority. It stated the goals, measures and activities that should contribute to the development of science as a driver of long-term economic and social growth by , in line with the objectives set out in the ERA Plan. It noted that scientific organisations are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of gender equality policy.
