Gender balance in the context of decentralization of rural development management

The purpose of the article is to theoretically and scientifically substantiate the main methodological foundations for conducting research on gender equality and the introduction of principles covering the life of rural people. Research methods. The research process was carried out by methods of monographic and logical analysis of the development of rural areas in the system of gender policy. The issues of decentralization in the countryside are analyzed as a process of redistribution of functions and basic powers by the angle of gender. Attention is focused on women's participation in reforms at the local level. Research results. The issues of gender problems are highlighted: ensuring equal rights and opportunities in the economic, social and political life of the rural population. Attention is paid to the gender role of women in terms of the characteristics of his behavior as a mother, wife, mistress, guardian of the clan. It has been established that in the course of the decentralization reform, broader powers and directions of development in the economic and social life of rural people are revealed. Scientific novelty. The interest of communities in equal partnership between men and women in any initiatives for the economic, social and spiritual development of their rural region is characterized, takes the form of gender balance. The article considers the desire to provide a fair proof of their participation in public life, without diminishing the role of women and their work. Purposefulness should be aimed at overcoming established stereotypes. Attention is drawn to the interest of the scientific world in proving that gender equality is important for society. Practical significance. The research results emphasize that gender is a socially constructed phenomenon and this should be a direct targeting of the fair representation of each gender in the social process - with the interaction of respect and kindness for women's steps in their achievements. A number of important principles have been proposed covering the life of rural society. Refs.: 14.