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This paper presents an analysis of Law 17/2015, of July 21, on the effective equality of men and women, as the law that governs gender policies in Catalonia. These policies are analysed within the framework of the mandates of the Statutes of 1979 and 2006 and their competence limits. This paper places them in the context of state and regional legislation on equality. It explains the long gestation and approval of Law 17/2015, and the analysis focuses on its purpose, objectives, and structural principles. In particular, it reflects on the implementation of the principle of gender mainstreaming, on how the law responds to the allocation of household and childcare responsibilities, and on its effectiveness, and it assesses if the measures provided for in the law are adequate to fulfil its purpose. The conclusions highlight the importance of this law, but also the difficulties of its challenges. Finally, it is stated that in order to consolidate the ambitious objectives of the law, a clear political will and the allocation of resources are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]