In February 2003, the Ministry of Social Affairs organized the Third Baltic Sea States Conference, "WoMen and Democracy." Representatives from the Baltics, Nordic countries, Russia, Poland, Germany and the U.S. were expected to attend. The objectives of the conference were to improve dialogue across and cooperation between different sectors, as well as increase opportunities for women to participate in societal development.

In April 2004, after more than three years of discussions, the Estonian Parliament passed the Gender Equality Act.  The goals of the new legislation include eliminating gender-based discrimination in all areas of life, including the workplace. The Gender Equality Act requires employers to promote gender equality, thus strengthening the legislative basis for promoting gender equality.  The Act also calls for the creation of a Gender Equality Commissioner. 

In addition, a special commission has been established to draw up a National Gender Equality Plan for 2004-2008. The plan will be based on international human rights conventions, agreements and documents and will cover areas including violence against women, trafficking of women, protection and assistance for victims, working life, education and the economic situation of women, as well as institutional cooperation.