March 12, 2025
On March 11, 2025, the Judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine Galyna Yurovska met with students of the Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. The event was organised on the occasion of the International Day of Women Judges, which, in accordance with the UN resolution, is celebrated on March 10.
During the communication, the Judge discussed a number of topical issues related to gender equality in the legal sphere, outlined the challenges faced by women in the legal profession, and pointed out ways to overcome them. Galyna Yurovska spoke about her experience as a Judge and answered numerous questions related to the adaptation of legislation to European standards, the case law of European constitutional courts, the peculiarities of selecting candidates for the position of a Judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine, and the selection of the Chairman of the Court.
In the course of the meeting, the Judge covered the issue of equality of rights between women and men in the context of national and international legislation. She emphasised that equality of rights and opportunities is embodied in the Constitution of Ukraine, in particular in Articles 21 and 24, that guarantee the inviolability of human rights and equality of the genders in all spheres of public life. The Judge paid particular attention to the importance of creating conditions to ensure equal pay and healthcare for women.
The Judge also stressed the importance of international human rights standards, in particular the UN Charter, which affirms the equality of men and women, the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibits discrimination, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which obliges states to ensure equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of gender. She recalled that Article 3 of the Covenant requires States Parties to take appropriate measures to ensure equality of rights and obligations of spouses in respect of marriage, during marriage and its dissolution.
The Judge paid special attention to the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention), which was ratified by Ukraine in 2022. She underscored that this instrument is key in the fight against domestic violence and provides for comprehensive measures to protect victims, provide them with the necessary assistance and punish the perpetrators. At the same time, the Judge noted that Ukraine has ratified the Convention with certain reservations that guarantee its application in accordance with the Constitution and legislation in force.
The Judge also referred to the Presidential Decree No. 1135/2005 dated July 26, 2005, which regulates the activities of central and local executive authorities to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men.
In addition, Galyna Yurovska drew attention to the opinions of the Venice Commission on improving the procedure for selecting Judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine. She underlined that one of the key aspects of the reform should be compliance with the principles of gender equality in the competitive selection of judges. In this context, she recalled Article 10-1.6 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Constitutional Court of Ukraine”, according to which the selection commission, the Committee, and the Council of Judges of Ukraine shall observe the requirements set out by the Law of Ukraine “On Ensuring Equal Rights and Opportunities of Women and Men”.
Galyna Yurovska spoke specifically about the challenges faced by women in the legal profession. She emphasised that women lawyers often face discrimination, prejudice against their professional competence, and difficulties in reconciling their career and personal life. Among the key solutions to these problems, the Judge highlighted the need for strict compliance with the legislation on equality of rights; introduction of flexible working hours and part-time work; development of mentoring and professional support programmes for women lawyers.
The Judge noted that in 2024, women accounted for 56% of all lawyers in Ukraine, with 53% of them holding senior positions. She emphasised that this figure is evidence of significant progress in ensuring gender equality in the legal sector.
The Judge also highlighted the issue of ensuring gender equality and equal opportunities in the activities of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine. She noted that 11 women have been appointed to the Constitutional Court of Ukraine since its creation, and today the Court consists of 4 women and 7 men, that reflects a gradual approach to gender balance.
In conclusion, the Judge noted that ensuring gender equality in the judiciary is an essential element of the rule of law and justice. She emphasised the importance of diversity of views among Judges, which contributes to more balanced and impartial decisions. In her speech, she emphasised that further development of gender equality requires a comprehensive approach that includes improving the legal framework, strengthening legal protection for women and changing public perceptions of the role of women in the modern world.
Students had the opportunity to learn practical examples and expand their knowledge in this area. The meeting of the Judge of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine with the students was a source of valuable experience and contributed to the formation of legal culture among young people.
