Equality between women and men in public procurement: shaping a gender strategy

Abstract

Gender equality in our society remains an objective that public sector entities have yet to achieve. To contribute to this goal, this paper presents a theoretical and practical framework that examines the possibilities offered by public contracts to reverse this inequality.
To this end, the discussion begins by outlining, from a theoretical perspective, a strategic gender public procurement. This concept is based on doctrinal and legal principles and translates, in contractual practice, into clauses promoting equality between women and men.
Subsequently, an analysis is made of the various possibilities and limitations that current regulations and resolutions offer for the introduction of equality clauses in different aspects of the contracting process. Accordingly, a systematic analysis is proposed that can serve as a practical guide to those responsible for introducing the gender perspective into Public Sector contracts.