Suchergebnisse

The results of the research show that political participation of women in both analysed countries is relatively low due to social attitudes and difficulties experienced in reconciling political activities with family life and lack of education. Participation of women in the labour market in both countries is characterised by high level of employment and deep horizontal professional segregation. The high level of employment of women is partially related to the necessity determined by the economical situation to contribute to the family's maintenance. Though, for Lithuanian women jobs are also a sphere of self-realization, but the family is a smaller obstacle for participation in the labour market and for making a professional career. In Lithuania professional segregation is much lower. The article comes to the conclusion that existing differences of the status of gender in both countries are related to the influence of patriarchal attitudes, still prevailing gender role stereotypes and practical problems of reconciling work and family life. The better status of Lithuanian women in all the analysed spheres, first of all, is related to the weaker expression of the above-mentioned attitudes and stereotypes. The investigation shows that the main obstacles which impede implementation of gender equality in practice lie in Islamic cultural traditions, which are more favourable for the prevalence of patriarchal attitudes. In order to improve the status of women, it is suggested that more attention be given to education on gender equality and to special means applied at the national level, inducing equal opportunities for both genders.

The results of the research show that political participation of women in both analysed countries is relatively low due to social attitudes and difficulties experienced in reconciling political activities with family life and lack of education. Participation of women in the labour market in both countries is characterised by high level of employment and deep horizontal professional segregation. The high level of employment of women is partially related to the necessity determined by the economical situation to contribute to the family's maintenance. Though, for Lithuanian women jobs are also a sphere of self-realization, but the family is a smaller obstacle for participation in the labour market and for making a professional career. In Lithuania professional segregation is much lower. The article comes to the conclusion that existing differences of the status of gender in both countries are related to the influence of patriarchal attitudes, still prevailing gender role stereotypes and practical problems of reconciling work and family life. The better status of Lithuanian women in all the analysed spheres, first of all, is related to the weaker expression of the above-mentioned attitudes and stereotypes. The investigation shows that the main obstacles which impede implementation of gender equality in practice lie in Islamic cultural traditions, which are more favourable for the prevalence of patriarchal attitudes. In order to improve the status of women, it is suggested that more attention be given to education on gender equality and to special means applied at the national level, inducing equal opportunities for both genders.

The role of religious symbols, including wearing religious garments in school and displaying religious symbols in public, has been, and continues to be, a matter of controversy in a number of countries. Students or teachers observing religious dress codes, including Islamic headscarves and Sikh turbans, employees wearing cross and chain around the neck have in some countries been expelled from schools, denied access to higher education, suspended from their jobs or their other rights were restricted. Summarising the above analysed case-law, it could be concluded that European Court of Human Rights (Commission as well) dealt with the diverse forms of religious symbols. The relevance of the issue could be proved by the new applications, which raise new aspects of the display/wearing of religious symbols. ECtHR in its rulings highlighted the State's margin of appreciation and emphasized the importance of the principles of secularisms and equality. Thus, the Court acknowledged the interference with the freedom of religion, it was justified on the grounds laid down in the limitation clause (Article 9(2) of the Convention). In most of the cases the European Court of Human Rights having regard to the Contracting States' margin of appreciation justified the interference as "necessary in democratic society" in pursuance to the legitimate aim of protecting the rights and freedoms of others and of public order. However, the judgment in "Crucifix" case, where the Court did not find that in classrooms hanging crucifix violates freedom of religion, raised the discussion about "double standards" applicable to the different religions. Consequently, the pending cases regarding the ban on the full-face veil in France and the prohibition to wear a cross and chain around the neck at work, could draw a new line in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.

The role of religious symbols, including wearing religious garments in school and displaying religious symbols in public, has been, and continues to be, a matter of controversy in a number of countries. Students or teachers observing religious dress codes, including Islamic headscarves and Sikh turbans, employees wearing cross and chain around the neck have in some countries been expelled from schools, denied access to higher education, suspended from their jobs or their other rights were restricted. Summarising the above analysed case-law, it could be concluded that European Court of Human Rights (Commission as well) dealt with the diverse forms of religious symbols. The relevance of the issue could be proved by the new applications, which raise new aspects of the display/wearing of religious symbols. ECtHR in its rulings highlighted the State's margin of appreciation and emphasized the importance of the principles of secularisms and equality. Thus, the Court acknowledged the interference with the freedom of religion, it was justified on the grounds laid down in the limitation clause (Article 9(2) of the Convention). In most of the cases the European Court of Human Rights having regard to the Contracting States' margin of appreciation justified the interference as "necessary in democratic society" in pursuance to the legitimate aim of protecting the rights and freedoms of others and of public order. However, the judgment in "Crucifix" case, where the Court did not find that in classrooms hanging crucifix violates freedom of religion, raised the discussion about "double standards" applicable to the different religions. Consequently, the pending cases regarding the ban on the full-face veil in France and the prohibition to wear a cross and chain around the neck at work, could draw a new line in the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.