The Nordic road towards Beijing+25 2 PHOTO: IRIS DAGER / NORDEN.ORG IRIS DAGER PHOTO: Content

The Nordic road towards Beijing+25 04

1. Inclusive development, shared prosperity and decent work 06

2. Poverty eradication, social protection and social services 08

3. Freedom from violence, stigma and stereotypes 10

4. Participation, accountability and gender-responsive institutions 12

5. Peaceful and inclusive societies 14

6. Environmental conservation, protection and rehabilitation 16

Emerging issues in the Nordic region 18

Prospects for in the Nordic region 20

3 The Nordic road towards Beijing+25

The Nordic countries have collaborated In 2020 the global community marks the in promoting gender equality for over 40 twenty-fifth anniversary of the Fourth years. Each country has a long history World Conference on Women and the of advancing legislation that facilitates adoption of the Beijing Declaration and gender equality, both in the labour Platform for Action – the most visionary market and in society as a whole. The agenda for the empowerment of women most visible result is that the majority and girls, everywhere. This report sum- of women in the Nordic countries are in marizes the five Nordic countries’ paid employment, almost on a par with Beijing+25 review reports. Through six men. Efforts have also led to a more clusters, the report exemplifies the gender-equal distribution of power, collective Nordic experience and pro- influence and resources in the region, in gress, and picks out emerging chal- politics as in business. lenges. 2020 is a year marked by a global gender equality review, and it marks Solutions for shared parental leave, the opportunity to strengthen political equal pay, violence prevention, equal efforts in the Nordic countries – and in opportunities at work, and greater the rest of the world – for the full and involvement of men and boys in gender effective implementation of the Beijing equality – to mention a few – have not Platform for Action, once and for all. evolved organically. They are results of targeted policies by governments, which are backed up by well-organized civil society organisations and a private sector that also benefits from social trust and gender equality. Over time these measures have evolved and been key to progress. The Nordic countries’ achievements and rights-based approaches have also garnered respect internationally. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2020 asserts that the Nordic countries remain the closest to achieving gender equality, based on the Forum’s methodology.

4 Beijing Platform for Action: Developed at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995 – known as the largest-ever gathering of gender equality advocates – the Beijing Platform for Action was adop- ted by 189 governments, who committed to taking strategic, bold action in 12 critical areas of concern: poverty, education and training, health, violence, armed conflict, economy, power and decision-making, institutional mechanisms, , media, environment, and the girl child.

Beijing+25: Leading up to the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action, UN member states have submitted country reports, which in turn will be collated in a global report to review and celebrate Beijing+25. The report you are reading now is a summary of the Nordic countries’ reports, clustered into six dimen- sions: 1. Inclusive development, shared prosperity and decent work; 2. Poverty eradication, social protection and social services; 3. Freedom from violence, stigma and stereotypes; 4. Participation, accountability and gender-responsive institutions; 5. Peaceful and inclusive societies; 6. Environmental conservation, protection and rehabilitation.

Nordic Co-operation: The Nordic countries have worked together for over 40 years to promote gender equality in all aspects of society. The Nordic Council of Ministers is the official forum for governmental co-operation between , Finland, Iceland, , Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland. The co-operation on gender equality is led by the Nordic ministers for gender equality and based on a co-operation program.

5 1. Inclusive development, shared prosperity and decent work

Critical areas of focus: gender equality tion is linked to the sex segregation in at work, redistribution of unpaid care, education. To break the pattern women work-family conciliation. have been awarded gender points in a number of male-dominated educational Investments in gender equality in the pathways, and men vice versa, in labour market have made the Nordic Norway. Men are for example awarded region one of the most prosperous areas two gender points if they apply for an of the world. The share of women education within nursing or child welfare. who work in the Nordic countries is In Iceland 1000 girls from elementary larger than the global average, which schools take part in The Girls in STEM is partly the effect of commitments to Day in Reykjavík and Akureyri every year. equal workplaces, subsidized childcare The aim is to introduce the various and generous parental leave schemes. opportunities in technical educations However, gender inequalities at work do and careers, to break down gender ste- persist. The Nordic countries are grap- reotypes and to show girls the diversity pling with high levels of occupational that characterizes the technology segregation in the labour market – both industry. vertically and horizontally – as well as a substantial gender pay gap that is Ending at work narrowing far too slowly. Sex segrega- The #metoo movement in 2017 showed tion in the labour market is a key the true scope of sexual harassment, in explanation for gender gaps in pay, the Nordic countries as elsewhere. Dur- working hours, educational choices and ing the last years all the Nordic countries career opportunities. have taken action to deal with and prevent sexual harassment. The initia- Here are some of the efforts made in tives include a range of measures: from the region the last five years to meet the tougher legislation, to responsible challenges. authorities being given a bigger man- date, to broad-scale information cam- Preventing sex segregation at work paigns. Responding to sex segregation and gender stereotypes in education and at In the Nordic countries, employers have work are priorities for the Nordic a responsibility to ensure a work environ- countries. The topic has been high up ment free from sexual harassment. As a on the political agenda in the last five follow up to #metoo, various measures years. In Norway, research shows that have been taken to ensure that two-thirds of occupational segrega- employers are acting on the problem-

6 Denmark for example has increased the Another example is amendments to compensation to victims and strength- the Discrimination Act. From 1 January ened focus on preventing sexual 2017, all employers must conduct an harassment at work. In Sweden, efforts annual survey and implement measures to prevent sexual harassment at work to prevent pay discrimination. The aim have for example been strengthened is for employers to be able to discover, through education and information remedy and prevent unfair differences in initiatives supporting employers, and pay between women and men. greater support to regional health and safety representatives. Finland has in Sharing the care collaboration with employers’ organisa- Public services like affordable, quality tions prepared a guide for intervention childcare and well-funded parental leave and prevention of sexual harassment at for mothers and fathers – for all parents work. – have been instrumental for increased gender equality in the labour market in Equal pay the Nordics. Since the 1990s, the Nordic All Nordic countries are taking measures countries have been earmarking some to close the gender pay gap. In Iceland weeks of the allotted parental leave employers are in the process of imple- period for the father – a daddy quota. menting the 2018 Law on Equal Pay Research shows that men have Certification. In short, this law is an responded to the introduction and enforcement tool to realize the objec- expansion of the quota by taking more tives of the 1961 legislation that pro- parental leave. But still, the share of hibited gender discrimination in wages. parental leave taken by men in the The results of the new law are already Nordic countries is much lower than the positive, and the Icelandic government share taken by women. In recent years, aims at closing the gender pay gap in several Nordic countries have made 2022. efforts to expand the use of parental leave by fathers – both through national Sweden has conducted several reforms campaigns and new legislation. Today, reducing the differences between men’s all countries have similar parental leave and women’s labour income. The gov- schemes consisting of three parts. One ernment’s decision to draw up an action part to each parent and one part that plan for equal pay in a life cycle perspec- can be divided between the parents as tive is one example. The action plan they desire. includes steps to be taken to reduce pay differentials between women and men.

7 2. Poverty eradication, social protection and social services

Critical areas of focus: poverty among of staying home caring for children full women and girls, equality in education time. and health care. Measures addressing poverty in the Women are more likely than men to live Nordic countries are largely universal in poverty. This is true globally and it is – they don’t specifically target girls or also the case in the Nordic region. women. However, all initiatives addres- Despite some important progress, sing poverty strive for gender equality. women have still not achieved economic All of the Nordic countries have identi- equality with men. In the Nordic coun- fied women born outside of Europe as tries, women born outside of Europe are a group with a particularly weak link at a particularly high risk of poverty. to the labour market and at high risk Here are some of the efforts made in of poverty. Part of the explanation is the region the past five years to meet that women make up a large proportion the challenges. of the newly arrived immigrants with limited education. Different measures Poverty eradication have been taken to increase the labour All the Nordic countries are taking market participation in this specific measures to improve the situation group. The initiatives include education for women in high risk of poverty. The as well as other measures, like support initiatives involve increasing allowances for women who wish to start and run as well as measures targeting groups their own companies. at particular risk of poverty. The Nordic countries recognize labour market par- Equality in education ticipation as a key to improve living con- All people, regardless of gender, should ditions. Universal access to education as have equal access to education and well as an inclusive and family-friendly the possibility to choose freely what to labour market policy are important study, without being limited by gender to provide opportunity for as many as norms. That is the core idea of gender possible to work. For example, creating equality in education within the Nordics. a family-friendly labour market was the Discrimination on the basis of gender is goal when Finland in 2014 introduced criminalized in all Nordic countries and “the flexible care allowance”. The pur- all countries have also taken other mea- pose of the new allowance was to sures towards equality in education. The increase the labour market participa- initiatives include, for example, measu- tion among women by making it easier res to increase women’s opportunities for parents to work part time instead to enter male-dominated fields and

8 gender equality training for teachers. welfare clinics. How to support parents Finland, for example, have published and children from a gender equality a guide to promote gender equality in perspective?” primary education. The guide highlights the challenges of gender equality, In general, issues related to sexual and encourages greater understanding reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of gender diversity, as well as provi- have been highlighted in many ways in des information on gender-based and the Nordics. In Iceland, The Act on sexual harassment. The guide contains Termination of Pregnancy was adopted suggestions and practical examples of by parliament in 2019. Previously, how gender equality work should be women who wanted to have an abor- carried out in a structured way and how tion needed approval by either two a functional gender equality plan should doctors or a doctor and a social worker. be drawn up. With the new law, women are guaran- teed the right to decide for themselves Equality in healthcare up until the end of the 22nd week of During the last years, a number of laws pregnancy. have been amended and other initiati- ves taken to improve the health of girls All of the Nordics have identified newly and women in the Nordic region. The arrived, young immigrants as a group initiatives involve funding of research on needing support on health including women’s health to expand the know- SRHR as well as gender equality and ledge and measures to improve the the rights they have. There have been healthcare, for example in relation to a number of capaigns addressing this childbirth. In 2018 Denmark introduced group. For example, the Swedish Agency a new initiative in light of an expected for Youth and Civil Society produced a increase in the number of births. The website that includes information on objectives included developing individual sexual violence, sexual harassment and birth plans and enhancing the efforts honour related violence and oppression for especially vulnerable persons. Some including female genital mutilation. The Nordic countries have also taken website informs about the legislation measures to improve the work at the and rights, including legislation on the maternity and child welfare clinics. In purchase of sexual services. Other Finland, this work resulted in the Nordic countries have had similar manual ”Gender equality when working initiatives. with clients in maternity and child

9 3. Freedom from violence, stigma and stereotypes

Critical areas of focus: violence against from violence and abuse against women and girls, methods for children. For example, Finland increased prevention, engaging men. the punishment for sexual abuse of a child to maximum of six instead of four is a major pub- years of prison. lic health problem and a violation of women’s human rights. Violence and All of the Nordic countries recognize abuse against girls and women repre- that all sectors of society have a big sent a constant challenge in the Nordic responsibility to detect any form of region. Despite decades of work on gen- violence against women. Many initiati- der equality, violence against women is ves are taken to strengthen the know- still a fact. The work against violence ledge among professionals within for in the Nordic countries includes many example the police, healthcare, social different issues such as physical and services, schools, pre-schools and in psychological violence in close relations, asylum reception centres. In Iceland the negative social control, rape, trafficking government has appointed a committee and female genetial mutilation. The to review homicide cases where the per- violence takes place in many different petrator had been a current or former areas of life, including on the Internet. partner of the victim. The aim was to Online violence is an immediate and find out whether, to what extent, and in growing problem in the Nordic region, what ways the public services manage- with huge consequences for both the ment of such cases had failed. women and girls being attacked, and for society as a whole. Here are some of the Online violence efforts made in the region the last five In recent years the Nordic countries years to meet the challenges. have stepped up the work against threats and abuse online. Online Detecting and ending violence violence includes for example threats Several new laws have been introduced and sharing of nude photos without in the Nordic countries to improve the consent. Initiatives have been taken to work against violence. For example, prevent sexual abuse online, for example Norway have made it easier to stop by clarifying that it is illegal, or by forced marriage and Denmark have increasing the penalties. Sweden intro- adopted a bill on psychological violence duced a new crime in 2018 about the in close relations. Many Nordic countries unlawful violation of privacy. The law have also improved the legal protection makes it a criminal offence to intrude

10 into the private life of another person by legislation. Sweden and Iceland have disseminating sensitive images or other introduced consent-based sexual offen- information on the Internet. ces acts that are expected to enable more rape convictions. The laws in The Nordic countries recognize hate the respective countries are also seen speech online as a form of violence, as instruments to realize a culture of posing a threat to the democratic consent. Denmark, Finland and Norway system. Especially politicians, journalists have also started discussions as to and opinion makers are often targeted whether the lack of consent should be with threats and harassments – and the included in the description of rape in the exposure to hate may affect willingness penal provision. to engage in the public debate. Pre- venting hate speech online is a highly Engaging men prioritized issue in the Nordic countries. The work against gender-based violence During the last years, several public does not only focus on the victims. The campaigns have been launched to raise Nordic governments recognize that in awareness on the issue. In Finland, there the long term, norm-changing and pre- has also been an initiative to strengthen ventive work directed towards men and the law. The legislation has also been boys is crucial. Negative gender stereo- strengthened in Denmark. types which link masculinity to violence need to be counteracted. In Sweden, for Sexual violence example, several schools are working All of the Nordic countries recognize consciously to challenge these stereo- sexual harassment as a form of types and to prevent violence using the violence. In the wake of #metoo, there method Mentors in Violence Prevention has been a number of initiatives in (MVP). Another method, developed by the Nordic countries to combat sexual Iceland and Surinam, are the so-called harassment and abuse in all parts of Barbershop discussions that bring men society. These initiatives involve making to the table as partners for gender schools safer by training teachers and equality. All the Nordic countries also strengthening the sex education. Some have programs directed specifically Nordic countries have also had new towards perpetrators.

11 4. Participation, accountability and gender-responsive institutions

Critical areas of focus: women’s partici- and the general public can easily follow pation in public life and decision making. how the municipalities are doing as regards to women’s representation in The representation of women in par- local politics. Previous evaluations of liamentary politics is high in the Nordic measures to increase the proportion of countries, and that is the result of a women in politics indicate that focusing struggle going back more than a cen- on the issue in public arenas and giving tury. Women’s right to sit in parliament it public attention, potentially increases is based on the belief that everyone the proportion of women engaged. should enjoy equal opportunity to poli- Another key issue is to make it possible tical activity, and that the democratic for politicians to combine a political bodies should reflect the population at career with family life. In Sweden, this large. The Nordic countries have come was made easier by a reform in 2018, a long way, but there is still an uneven making it possible for politicians in local division of political power between government to take parental leave, just women and men. Women are still as in national politics. underrepresented, as are other groups such as young adults and persons with Women in management and education immigrant background. The Nordic countries have been pro- active in promoting the equal represen- Here are some of the efforts made in tation of women and men in positions the region the last five years to meet of power. Despite the ongoing efforts, a the challenges. troubling pattern remains: the higher up in the hierarchy you look, the more men Challenges in local politics you will see. This is particularly true in A large number of initiatives have been the private sector. The Nordic countries taken, throughout the Nordic region, to have actively promoted female repre- increase the representation of women sentation at the highest decision- in local government. In Norway, a digital making levels, such as municipal barometer has been quota laws for company boards. In the launched, showing the representation of last five years, a number of initiatives women in different municipalities. The have been taken to expand the number digital barometer makes it possible for of women in senior management. In each municipality to compare its perfor- 2018 Norway developed a list of good mance in this respect to others throug- practice composed of eight sound hout the country. In addition, journalists pieces of advice on how the business

12 community can be instrumental in Equality in the media promoting women’s representation in All of the Nordics recognize the senior management. The list, entitled importance of equal representation of “How to achieve gender balance at the women and men in media. During the top in business”, has been distributed to last years several studies have been Norway’s 500 largest companies and is carried out, focusing on the numbers intended to serve as a toolbox of poten- of respondents, how women and men tial measures. are portrayed, what topics women and men are asked to address, as well as to When it comes to higher education, the what extent women and men occupy Nordic countries have taken measures the decision-making positions in the to attain a more equal distribution media industry. Finland has, as the chair of research funding and to raise the of the Nordic Council of Ministers in number of women in higher positions. In 2016, prepared two Nordic reports on Sweden, for example, the goal is for 50 gender issues related to news media per cent of newly recruited professors and advertising: ”Women and Men in the to be women by 2030. News - A report on Gender representa- tion in Nordic News Content and in the Nordic Media Industry” and ”Regulation of Gender-Discriminatory Advertising in the Nordic Countries”.

13 5. Peaceful and inclusive societies

Critical areas of focus: women’s involve- Council’s inclusion of information from ment in peace and security. representatives from women’s organi- sations in its analyses. The Nordic countries have worked actively to promote women’s involve- All Nordic countries are working for ment in peace and security and to increased involvement of women in enhance the protection of women in peace processes in countries for situations of war and conflict. A con- example through political, technical tinually growing research base has and financial support. An example recognized the importance of women’s is Iceland’s efforts in the continued involvement in peace and security issues collaboration with UN Women and its to achieving long lasting stability. In mission in Mozambique. The program 2000, the Resolution 1325 was adopted aims at strengthening women and girls’ due to the hard work of both civil capacity to meaningfully participate in society and the member states of the conflict prevention and resolution, as UN. The Resolution 1325 addresses well as enhancing the national capacity among many things how women’s full to implement and generate knowledge participation and involvement is cri- on women, peace, and security. tical to every aspect of achieving and sustaining peace and stability within a Measures to support 1325 on women, community. peace and security The Nordic countries were among the Here are some of the efforts made in first states to adopt National Plans the region the last five years to meet (NAP) on the implementation of UNSCR the challenges. 1325 on women peace and security. The resolution reaffirms the important role Gender equality in foreign policy of women in the prevention and resolu- In the Nordic countries gender and tion of conflicts, peace negotiations, women’s rights are key elements in peace-building, and foreign and development policies. An stresses the importance of their equal example is Sweden’s feminist foreign participation and full involvement in all policy, in which one of the cornerstones efforts for the maintenance and promo- is that work on sustainable peace and tion of peace and security. security must be representative and inclusive. As a non-permanent member In Denmark the current National Action of the UN Security Council 2017-2018, Plan on UNSCR 1325 is very much Sweden championed the UN Security focused on , and

14 implementation of a gender perspective within other international cooperation in operations, education and staffing. such as UN, NATO, OSCE, the EU and Finland has consistently attached great the Council of Europe, and in coope- importance to the inclusion of the 1325 ration with each other. theme in joint statements and docu- ments and has worked to engage new Nordic Women Mediators countries in the implementation of the Inspired by a similar initiative in Women, Peace and Security agenda. southern Africa, the Nordic govern- ments endorsed the creation of the Multilateral aid and cooperation Nordic Women Mediators (NWM) net- In terms of international cooperation work at the Nordic-African Foreign and multilateral aid, the Nordic coun- Ministers’ meeting in April 2015. The tries have been supporting UN Women, NWM was launched in Oslo in Novem- as well as Population ber 2015 and is a network of women Fund (UNFPA), in line with its support from the five Nordic countries with to sexual and reproductive health and professional expertise relevant to rights of women and girls. One example conflict mediation, peacebuilding and is Norway’s support to UN Women that negotiations. It is an instrument for the has increased over the past two years meaningful involvement of women in and is part of the effort to strengthen advocacy and operational engagement. judicial and non-judicial accountability In November 2018, Denmark hosted the for violations of international humani- Nordic Women Mediators Network tarian law and human rights suffered Meeting, where experiences from the by women and girls in connection with Syrian peace process were presented armed conflict and humanitarian crises. and discussed by women civil society The Nordic countries also pursue the leaders and peace activists from diffe- agenda for women, peace and security rent parts of Syria.

15 6. Environmental conservation, protection and rehabilitation

Critical areas: gender perspective on for Climate Change (UNFCCC) and climate change and environmental particularly within the field of adaption policies. to climate change.

Climate change has a greater impact Integrating gender perspectives in on those sections of the population that environmental policy are most reliant on natural resources Integrating gender perspective into for their livelihoods. Women commonly environmental policies are important face higher risks and greater burdens matters for the Nordics both internatio- from the impacts of climate change in nally, and at home. The Finnish Ministry situations of poverty, and the majority of the Environment adopted an equality of the world’s poor are women. plan for the period 2018-2021. The plan Women’s unequal participation in contains the general objectives, decision-making processes and labour measures and responsibilities for pro- markets compound inequalities and moting equality in the Ministry’s key often prevent women from fully con- functions and services. Core measures tributing to climate-related planning, in the plan include increased assess- policy-making and implementation. ments of the impacts on equality in law-drafting projects, mainstreaming Here are some of the efforts made in of the equality perspective in all major the region the last five years to meet strategies, plans and projects, as well the challenges. as in the international activities of the Ministry, including in the implemen- Nordic involvement in climate tation of the Agenda 2030. Norway negotiations attaches importance to equality and To incorporate gender perspectives in equal treatment, irrespective of gender, climate and environmental questions in accordance with existing legislation; as well as emergency preparedness is this also applies to disaster risk reduc- a priority for the Nordic countries. The tion, preventing climate change-related Nordic countries have stressed the need problems and damage limitation. to strengthen women’s decision making in climate negotiations. One example Raising awareness about gender-specific is how Sweden and Norway actively health hazards spoke in favour of including gendered In the last years, the Nordic countries challenges and women’s influence in have taken action in order to strengthen the international climate negotiations and raise awareness about gender- under the UN Framework Convention specific environmental and health

16 hazards. Denmark has initiated the choices regarding chemical exposure. national information campaign In Sweden, the Swedish Chemicals “Pregnant? Know your chemicals”. Agency has been commissioned by the The campaign, coordinated by the government to produce an “Action plan Danish Environmental Protection for a toxic-free everyday environment” Agency, provides advice to pregnant with a focus on children and young women and women planning a preg- people. From 2017 onwards, a gender nancy, through easily accessible advice equality perspective must also be taken dealing with everyday chemicals. The into account in this work. The project purpose is not to scare women but to will continue until 2020. offer information that enables active

17 Emerging issues in the Nordic region

The development in the Nordic countries and resulted in a range of measures in are showing positive trends in several the Nordic countries, from new legisla- areas related to gender equality: an tion, to surveys as well as awareness increased proportion of women is full raising and training efforts. The Nordics time paid work; the gender pay gap will follow up on #metoo during the continues to narrow; and women have a coming years. This includes initiatives to high level of education. Even though the increase the knowledge and awareness Nordic countries have come far, there for instance of sexual harassment and are still a number of enduring challen- of consent, as well as norm-changing ges. Two areas identified as especially and preventive work directed towards emerging are gender-based violence men and boys. and gender equality in the labour mar- ket. Closing the gender pay gap The Nordic governments’ policies have Violence against women helped to reduce income differentials The Nordic countries recognize violence between women and men, but the goal against women as one of the greatest of financial gender equality has not yet challenges to gender equality. Women been met. All of the Nordic countries are at much greater risk of rape, sexual are working to end the gap. Iceland, for assault and violence in close relations example, have been recognized for the compared to men. In the Nordic coun- new Equal Pay Certification law. The tries, gender-based violence has been obligatory equal pay certification is to highlighted as an important issue for be implemented in stages over a period, decades, and will be in focus moving up until the end of 2022. By then, the forward. All of the Nordics have legisla- aim is for the gender pay gap to be tion against gender-based violence and closed. The struggle to end the pay gap initiatives combating different forms of will continue to be an issue of priority violence, such as intimate partner for all of the Nordic countries during the violence and negative social control, coming years. trafficking and female genitial muti- lation. At the same time, more measu- Occupational segregation res are needed. Even though the Nordic countries have made a lot of efforts challenging gen- Ending sexual harassment and rape der stereotypes in the labour market, The #metoo movement in 2017 occupational segregation still remains. accumulated into a joint call for action The labour market in the Nordic region

18 is characterized by women and men Work-family balance working in different occupations, An important objective for family and industries and sectors. This means equality policy in the Nordic countries social norms continue to restrict occu- has been to make it possible for women pational choices. The segregation in to participate in the labour market the labour market is closely related to along the same lines as men, and for segregation in education. Women conti- men to shoulder more responsibility for nue to lag behind in science, tech- housework and childcare. One impor- nology, engineering and mathematics tant instrument to reach this change (STEM). All of the Nordic countries have has been earmarking some weeks of made measures to challenge these the allotted parental leave period for stereotypes and make it easier for the father. Research shows that men women to make educational choices have responded to the introduction and that challenge the norm. Still, all of the expansion of the quota by taking more Nordic countries identify this as an area parental leave. But still, the share of in need of continued focus. parental leave taken by men in the Nordic countries is much lower than the share taken by women.

19 Prospects for gender equality in the Nordic region

In 2020, it will be 25 years since the The younger generations in the Nordic Beijing Platform for Action set out how countries have high expectations and are to remove the systemic barriers that hold often very engaged in issues of social women back from equal participation justice. These perspectives and experien- in all areas of life, whether in public or ces are important for responding to in private. Despite some progress, real today’s biggest challenges and what change has been agonizingly slow for the needs to be done to confront them. The majority of women and girls in the world. Nordic countries need to spotlight the As a result, women remain undervalued, agency of young people and communi- they continue to work more, earn less, cate their very important views on these have fewer choices, and experience major global challenges, which still exist multiple forms of violence at home and in today. public spaces. Engaging boys and men The Nordic countries have come a long Historically, the struggle for gender way in working for gender equality and equality have been fought by women. the Nordic contribution has the potential But in order to reach the next level, to play an important role in the ongoing involvement of boys and men is crucial. process of change towards gender They must get engaged and seen as equality on a global scale. The Nordic important drivers for change. Notions of countries work actively for the full and gender that affect and restrict women effective implementation of the Beijing also affect men. When these notions are Platform for Action, focusing on the 12 challenged, both women and men have critical areas of concern. But challenges greater freedom and more opportunities. and obstacles to gender equality still Changing norms brings both advantages remain. for the individual and gains for society as a whole. The latter may involve a greater Agency of youth sense of security, improved public health, To respond to these challenges, there is a reduced violence, improved results for need for joint action – to come together boys in school, and breaking up the seg- across generational and geographical regated labour market as well as broad- boundaries. There is a need to join forces ening recruitment to the public sector. and bring together different generations of feminists and human rights activists.

20 Focus on intersectionality gender expression are important to con- Achieving a gender-equal society requires sider when trying to ensure the accuracy active gender equality policies that not and impact of the work on gender only improve the situation for the indi- equality. It is also important to empha- vidual, but also lift society. In the Nordic sise that gender equality challenges countries a basic premise in the work is change during the course of life, and can that women and men, boys and girls, are be different for younger and older people. not homogeneous groups. Inter- Utilizing women’s and men’s, girls’ and sectionalities such as socioeconomic boys’ competency, experience and ability background, ethnicity, disabilities, age, to exert influence is vital for creating a sexual orientation, gender identity and sustainable future.

21 The photos in this publication are from the Nordic Council of Ministers’ photo competition for young people in the Nordic countries in 2019.

Topics: Democracy, equality and integration. PHOTO: EMMI STORGAARD / NORDEN.ORG EMMI STORGAARD PHOTO:

22 PHOTO: EMMI STORGAARD / NORDEN.ORG EMMI STORGAARD PHOTO: PHOTO: MADS SCHMIDT RASMUSSEN / NORDEN.ORG RASMUSSEN MADS SCHMIDT PHOTO:

23 PHOTO: EMMI STORGAARD / NORDEN ORG EMMI STORGAARD PHOTO: The Nordic road towards Beijing+25

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Nordic co-operation has firm traditions in politics, the economy, and culture. It plays an important role in European and international collaboration, and aims at creating a strong Nordic community in a strong Europe.

Nordic co-operation seeks to safeguard Nordic and regional interests and principles in the global com-munity. Shared Nordic values help the region solidify its position as one of the world’s most innovative and competitive.

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24 25 Nordic Council of Ministers Nordens Hus Ved Stranden 18 DK-1061 Copenhagen K www.norden.org

In 2020, the global community marks the twenty-fifth anniver- sary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action – the most visionary agenda for the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere. While the United Nations is undertaking and concluding a global review of the Beijing Platform for Action, this very report summarizes the five Nordic countries’ Beijing+25 review reports. It takes stock of progress made thus far – the Nordic road towards Beijing+25. Importantly, the report points towards areas of opportunities for the Nordics – where the prospects for gender equality really lie: in the agency of young people, in intersectional approaches and mind- sets and in the engagement of men and boys in the making of gender equality.

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