GENDER EQUALITY AS A COMPONENT OF INTEGRITY IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF UKRAINE

Abstract

The article examines gender equality as an integral component of public service integrity and a significant factor in reducing corruption risks. The theoretical gap is the fragmentary nature of approaches to the issue, with a special focus on gender equality and its consideration outside the institutional mechanism for ensuring the integrity of public servants, as well as the work with citizens' appeals and the principles of public accountability. The purpose of the article is to justify the feasibility of integrating gender equality into the institutional mechanism for ensuring integrity in public service by introducing procedural justice and changing the organizational culture. The methodological basis of the study is theoretical generalizations based on a review of scientific and political-legal sources, a comparative analysis of practices in EU countries and Ukraine, in particular content analysis of codes of ethics, regulations for the selection and/or promotion of personnel, as well as the implementation of gender equality principles in the activities of public authorities. The empirical base is mainly represented by national regulatory and legal acts, recommendations based on the results of surveys conducted and published by international research organizations, the results of surveys of civil servants, and data on disciplinary proceedings.

The results demonstrate that institutionally embedded mechanisms for gender equality — transparent competitions, gender-balanced commissions, equal representation in leadership positions, zero tolerance policies towards discrimination and harassment, and gender-responsive budgeting — correlate with lower rates of ethical violations, higher levels of trust in procedures, increased motivation to serve in public office, and improved decision-making quality. The indirect role of organizational culture has been identified —                 an inclusive environment reduces tolerance for abuse, increases willingness to report violations (whistleblowing) and supports standards of integrity.                  The impact of Ukraine's martial law on the transformation of gender roles and the challenges of maintaining ethical standards in stressful conditions have been outlined.

The scientific novelty lies in the proposed conceptual model of «gender equality → procedural justice → integrity», supplemented by a system of indicators (the proportion of women in senior management, pay gaps, gender audit results, indices of procedural inclusiveness, dynamics of disciplinary sanctions, perception of fairness). The practical significance lies in the recommendations developed for authorities, such as: integration of gender dimensions into codes of ethics and risk assessment, introduction of HR analytics to monitor parity, parity requirements for competitive and disciplinary bodies, mentoring programs and flexible working arrangements, and external independent oversight of compliance with standards. The limitations of the study relate to the availability of causal conclusions and the completeness of data; the prospects lie in the need to continue surveys to assess the long-term impact of gender equality on the integrity of the public service.