The Commission of the European Council noted in its 2002 report that Latvia had made progress in terms of gender equality. The report mentioned changes to age requirements for men and women in the pension laws, as well as the first litigated case on equal pay by a female employee. The female worker prevailed in the lower court, but the employer successfully appealed. The case was submitted to the Supreme Court.

While the Commission noted the criminalization of trafficking in the Criminal Code, it expressed concern that less progress had been made in the fight against trafficking.

According to Network of East-West Women, the 2002 Labour Law and draft Labour Protection Law implement all gender-related E.U. Directives. The Labour Law marks progress in the efforts to combat discrimination against women, particularly in terms of recruitment and pay in the workplace. In March 2002, the Government adopted the National Gender Equality Strategy 2003-2007 to promote equal opportunities.