The equality principle of men and women in the European Union Law

The principle of equal treatment of men and women was first established in article 119 (now article 141) of the European Community Treaty of 1957 emphasizing that men and women should receive equal pay for equal work and for work of equal value. The principle has been developing gradually over the years through legislation, judicial action and Treaty amendment.European Union Law in the area of gender equality can be examined principally in three parts; equal pay, equal treatment and social security. Although the basic principle of equality between men and women is common to all three, each is governed by different legal provision.At the beginning it was only the economic considerations to shape the European Union Gender Equality Law. Although such considerations are still relevant today, it can be said that it is evolving to be a fundamental human right.Turkey which is a candidate country in the process of accession is responsible for making some necessary changes in national law in order to be in accordance with the Acquis Communitaire. Regarding gender equality issues, there are some important changes in the related articles of the Constitution, Turkish Civil Code, Labor Code and Penal Code that determine a visible positive shift related to the issue in question. However it should be emphasized that an effective legislation is not an end, but only a starting point for promoting equality of men and women.