Framing Gender Policies

Abstract

This chapter explores how Yugoslav gender policies were shaped at the highest political levels. Despite the massive participation of women during the war, they remained marginalised in political processes. Simić argues that the Party established political structures that prevented any significant opposition from forming whilst the most important women politicians were tied closely to the Party. However, the work of these women on the legal transformation of the country and reproductive policies had a significant impact. The second part of the chapter examines this transformation and compares it to the Soviet model. By looking at policies and laws concerning gender equality, marriage, divorce, alimony, and abortion, this chapter illustrates how Soviet models were domesticated and adapted to Yugoslav practice.