Gender equality has been part of the Federal Constitution since 1981. The article on equality aims to ensure equality between men and women. It also gives men and women a directly enforceable individual legal right to equal pay for work of equal value.
The Gender Equality Act entered into force in 1996. It expands on the article in the Constitution with provisions that apply specifically to the workplace. It prohibits direct and indirect discrimination in all employment relationships and aims to ensure equal opportunities in the workplace.
The Federal Office for Gender Equality, part of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) is responsible at federal level for gender equality
