Natalya Sevostyanova discussed gender equality matters with special representative of the OSCE chairmanship-in-office on gender issues ambassador Melanne Verveer

She spoke about a number of successful innovations, initiated by the Ministry of Justice: registration and acquirement of information, certificates and excerpts online; anti-corruption reform, including property declarations by officials; rebooting personnel potential, based on civilized competitive selection; launching free legal aid centers, etc.

“Starting from July 1 this year a very important social project was launched, within the framework of which 100 additional free legal aid centers have been opened in all Ukrainian regions, where approximately 5 000 lawyers, selected through a transparent competition, provide aid to citizens in criminal, civil and administrative cases”, - stated the First Deputy Minister.

She pointed out that implementation of reforms, so urgently needed by Ukraine, requires balanced involvement of all segments of society to this process, which means – ensuring gender balance.

Melanne Verveer, in her turn, wished success to reforms and expressed hope that they are going to be properly brought before people and they will have positive effect.

Parties have stressed the importance of gender equality and strengthening women’s role in political and economic life, as well as implementation of UNSCR 1325 and combating gender-based violence, particularly within the conflict’s context.