GENDER EQUALITY IN COMPANIES AS A VECTOR FOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC ORDER

This article examines gender equity in the corporate environment as an essential element for the effectiveness of human rights within the contemporary economic order. It begins by recognizing that equality between men and women, as established in international instruments and the Brazilian Constitution, requires a material approach capable of addressing historical and structural inequalities. Drawing on theoretical contributions on human development and on the guidelines of the 2030 Agenda, the study argues that eliminating gender disparities is indispensable for social and economic progress. The paper then analyzes the role of companies as agents in the realization of human rights, emphasizing their influence on the distribution of opportunities, career advancement, and the promotion of inclusive practices. The Brazilian regulatory framework is examined, with emphasis on recent legislation concerning pay transparency, incentives for female employment, and the participation of women on corporate boards. The empirical section, based on official reports and case studies of national and international companies, reveals that wage disparities and the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions remain significant despite legislative and institutional advances. The study concludes that achieving gender equity requires the articulation of public policies, corporate governance practices, and continuous monitoring mechanisms capable of transforming organizational structures and reducing persistent asymmetries in the labor market.