Defending Women's Rights in Europe

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Between 2004 and 2007, ten post-communist Eastern European states joined the European Union (EU), requiring them to implement specific antidiscrimination reforms. While this accession was a significant achievement, doubts arose regarding the sustainability of these reforms, particularly concerning compliance with EU gender equality directives. This analysis presents original comparative data on state adherence to EU gender equality requirements, featuring a thorough quantitative analysis alongside insightful case studies from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania. Olga A. Avdeyeva demonstrates that the most substantial policy and institutional reforms occurred in states where women's advocacy NGOs successfully formed coalitions with governing political parties. After EU membership, these governments maintained their gender equality policies and institutions despite facing costs and a lack of popular support. Reputational concerns deterred state elites from dismantling these policies; however, after accession, gender equality initiatives became marginalized on the political agenda. This work is available in an open access edition, thanks to Knowledge Unlatched, which supports libraries and institutions in accessing OA collections. For more information, visit the Knowledge Unlatched website and access the book online at the SUNY Open Access Repository.