The National Policy for the Promotion of Gender Equality is the basic strategic document of the Republic of Croatia, adopted in order to eliminate discrimination against women and to establish genuine gender equality by implementing the equal opportunity policy for the period 2006-2010.

The policy of gender equality and the empowerment of women is one of the fundamental principles of the democratic and social order of the Republic of Croatia, and is accepted at the highest state level through decisions by the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Croatian Parliament, and the adoption of the National Strategic Action Plans in 1997 and 2001. After the first National Policy for the Promotion of Gender Equality, which the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted in 1997 for the period up to 2000, and the second National Policy for the Promotion of Gender Equality 2001-2005, adopted unanimously in 2001 by the Croatian Parliament, the third National Policy continues the tradition of the previous fundamental commitment and goals, redefining national priorities, the manner of implementation, and taking special measures in line with the altered social and political circumstances and the progress achieved.

World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance, which Croatia participated in, was held in Durban in 2001. This conference resulted in the adoption of the Declaration and Action Plan for its implementation, by which the participating countries committed themselves to adopting a special national document that will determine the goals and work out the measures for eliminating discrimination, and especially in regard to suppressing and sanctioning discrimination in particular areas.

In fulfilling this commitment, the Republic of Croatia opted for adopting particular strategies, plans and policies for specific areas. These documents determine the measures for the protection of especially vulnerable social groups and ensuring their equal participation in society. This National Plan to Combat Discrimination 2008 – 2013 determines the existing situation, sets future goals and plans measures for their realization in order to upgrade the current system of protection against discrimination.