A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GENDER EQUALITY PROGRESS IN ROMANIA AND THE NETHERLANDS UNDER SDG5

Gender balance is a key driver of societal well-being, and Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG5) provides a framework for achieving gender equality. This paper examines the implementation of SDG5 in Romania and the Netherlands from a legislative perspective, focusing on the evolution of gender balance over time. Using data from United Nations Sustainable Development Goals annual reports spanning 23 years (2000–2023), the study compares the performance of the two countries relative to the EU average. Additionally, legislative developments were analyzed to understand their role in advancing gender equality. Findings reveal that while Romania lags behind the Netherlands in several indicators, notable historical progress has been made. The study contributes to the literature by providing a cross-country comparison of SDG5 indicators, offering insights into legislative effectiveness and the broader trajectory of gender equality within the European context.