The Nordics

Equality – The Nordic Way

Equal opportunities – regardless of a citizen’s gender, ethnicity,

religion, belief, functional capacity, age, or sexual orientation

– are cornerstones of the Nordic welfare model.

Equality is an essential part of an inclusive society and

there are always new boundaries to be pushed.

TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NORDIC EQUALITY

#1	Global leaders: According to the Global Gender Gap Index, the Nordic countries are amongst the highest-ranking countries in terms gender parity across four thematic dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival and Political EmpowermentThe Nordic countries consistently hold top spots on the UNDP Human Development index.
#2	Regional collaboration: Gender equality has been a part of Nordic co-operation since 1974, when the Nordic Council of Ministers decided that each of the Nordic governments must nominate an individual to liaise with the other governments on gender issues. Following this, the first Nordic contact group on gender issues was set up in 1975.
#3	Labour market participation: The Nordic countries have some of the most gender-equal labour markets in the world. Seventy-four percent of Nordic women have jobs – well above the OECD average of 66%. Over 80% of women in Iceland work, with similar percentages in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. An OECD study shows that current GDP per capita in the Nordic Region would be lower by between USD 1,500 in Finland and USD 9,000 in Norway if female employment rates had remained at levels of the mid-1960s. Gains in Finland were smallest as many women were already in paid work at that time.
#4	Leading the pack: Equal opportunities in the workplace have been high on the Nordic political agenda since the 1970s. Many initiatives have been launched to ensure women and men’s equal opportunities at work and for leadership at all levels
#5	Happy families: The family-friendly policies introduced by Nordic countries over the past 50 years and associated increases in female employment have boosted growth in GDP per capita by between 10% and 20%. Support from employers and unions have made it possible for workers to opt for more flexible and family-friendly working hours.
#6	Advanced care systems: The Nordic countries have increasingly invested in subsidised childcare, care for the elderly and paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers. Strong public healthcare systems ensure that everyone is given equal access.
#7	Equal opportunity and access: Social rights provide everyone with equal access to healthcare systems, social services, education, culture, and the labour market. Socio-economic equality is a key characteristic of the Nordic countries and helps create safe and secure societies.
#8	Income equality: Equal pay for equal work is a legal right in all of the Nordic countries and one of the main objectives of gender-equality policy. However, like everywhere else in the world, there is a pay gap between women and men, partly due to choice of profession, among other factors. In the Nordic Region, the gap is 15.4% on average. In the EU, it is 16.7%. On 1 January 2018, Iceland became the first country in the world to make it illegal to pay men more than women for doing the same job.
#9	Economic equality in an unequal world: The Nordic countries are among the most equal in terms of distribution of income. While the gap has been widening over the past, there is new hope that shows how the welfare state and its services – schools, health and social care – can help even out the differences once again.
#10	Work-life balance: Flexible work arrangements enable parents to successfully combine work and family life. The Nordic countries have a strong tradition of collective bargaining, which has resulted in relatively good working conditions, flexible working hours and the right to paid vacation. Nordic companies offer more flexible working hours than anywhere else in Europe.

Checklist for a Nordic Equality Event:

Remember to practice what you preach. From the accessibility of the location to diversity of your speakers – it’s important to consider both the small and big details when planning your next event on Nordic Equality. Below are some suggestions to help you on your way:

	If an event merely talks about the importance of diversity and equality, it won’t have a long-term impact. Successful events require people who can share specific experiences or unite people with a specific set of actionable goals. The more specific and focused an event is, the better it will be!
	When preparing your invitee list, consider which voices are missing from the event. Give yourself ample time to find ways to include them!
	Take The Pledge against male-only panels. There are no excuses – it’s 2018, folks!
	Think about who will be in the audience – will you need translators? Extra assistance for people with disabilities?
	Choose a time that is most appropriate for your target group. For example, people with children may have a harder time coming to evening or early morning events
	Encourage internal and external feedback on the event to learn about any shortcomings and how to improve for the next time. It’s easy to forget to do this!
	Encourage internal and external feedback on the event to learn about any shortcomings and how to improve for the next time. It’s easy to forget to do this!
	Make sure that everyone’s voice is heard? Download the GenderEQ app to track people’s voices and get real-time data on what gender gets the most airtime. When the meeting is concluded, the participants can see the ratio over time.
	Twitter using the hashtag #TheNordics

QUOTES TO USE!

“The Nordic countries have chosen different paths but have had the common goal of giving women and men equal opportunities in working life. Several surveys show that the Nordic region is the world's most gender equal region, and this report shows the great social benefits that go with an effective gender equality policy.” ”

- Annika Strandhäll, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Sweden, and chair of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Health and Social Affairs

“Gender equality is both a fundamental human right and a key driver of inclusive growth. Nordic countries have moved further along the path to gender equality than most other OECD countries. Closing the remaining gaps would drive further economic and social benefits but will require a renewed commitment.”

- Ángel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General

“It’s not mobile phones, cars, or oil that have been the Nordic Region’s primary generator of growth. Gender equality is our most valuable investment.”

- Børge Brende, Former Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs

GET INSPIRED!

Solutions Menu: A Nordic guide to sustainable food policy

– Explore 24 concrete examples of innovative food policy in action in an easy to read format

norden.org/solutionsmenu

New Nordic kitchen Manifesto

– Learn about the ten core principes of the Manifesto and how the New Nordic revolution got started.

norden.org/manifesto

New Nordic Food Programme

– Find out about the different projects that put the New Nordic Kitchen Manifesto into action.

newnordicfood.org

Click her to download a full list of suggested reading materials about Nordic food

TWEETS - TO - GO!

What economic gains can be made through gender equality? The OECD investigates how improvements in gender quality have contributed to economic growth in the Nordic countries. Read more here #TheNordics #nordicsolutions

Women in power – Learn about which top governmental positions are held by women in the Nordics: Click here to read more. #equality #governance #TheNordics #empowerment

Interested in finding out more about the Nordic gender effect at work and other true stories? It all starts with shared and paid parental leave. Keep reading by clicking here #equality #parentalleave #nordicsolutions #TheNordics

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Equality – The Nordic Way

Equal opportunities – regardless of a citizen’s gender, ethnicity,

religion, belief, functional capacity, age, or sexual orientation

– are cornerstones of the Nordic welfare model.

Equality is an essential part of an inclusive society and

there are always new boundaries to be pushed.

TEN THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT NORDIC EQUALITY

#1	Global leaders: According to the Global Gender Gap Index, the Nordic countries are amongst the highest-ranking countries in terms gender parity across four thematic dimensions: Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival and Political EmpowermentThe Nordic countries consistently hold top spots on the UNDP Human Development index
#2	Regional collaboration: Gender equality has been a part of Nordic co-operation since 1974, when the Nordic Council of Ministers decided that each of the Nordic governments must nominate an individual to liaise with the other governments on gender issues. Following this, the first Nordic contact group on gender issues was set up in 1975
#3	Labour market participation: The Nordic countries have some of the most gender-equal labour markets in the world. Seventy-four percent of Nordic women have jobs – well above the OECD average of 66%. Over 80% of women in Iceland work, with similar percentages in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. An OECD study shows that current GDP per capita in the Nordic Region would be lower by between USD 1,500 in Finland and USD 9,000 in Norway if female employment rates had remained at levels of the mid-1960s. Gains in Finland were smallest as many women were already in paid work at that time
#4	Leading the pack: Equal opportunities in the workplace have been high on the Nordic political agenda since the 1970s. Many initiatives have been launched to ensure women and men’s equal opportunities at work and for leadership at all levels
#5	Happy families: The family-friendly policies introduced by Nordic countries over the past 50 years and associated increases in female employment have boosted growth in GDP per capita by between 10% and 20%. Support from employers and unions have made it possible for workers to opt for more flexible and family-friendly working hours
#6	Advanced care systems: The Nordic countries have increasingly invested in subsidised childcare, care for the elderly and paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers. Strong public healthcare systems ensure that everyone is given equal access.
#7	Equal opportunity and access: Social rights provide everyone with equal access to healthcare systems, social services, education, culture, and the labour market. Socio-economic equality is a key characteristic of the Nordic countries and helps create safe and secure societies.
#8	Income equality: Equal pay for equal work is a legal right in all of the Nordic countries and one of the main objectives of gender-equality policy. However, like everywhere else in the world, there is a pay gap between women and men, partly due to choice of profession, among other factors. In the Nordic Region, the gap is 15.4% on average. In the EU, it is 16.7%. On 1 January 2018, Iceland became the first country in the world to make it illegal to pay men more than women for doing the same job.
#9	Economic equality in an unequal world: The Nordic countries are among the most equal in terms of distribution of income. While the gap has been widening over the past, there is new hope that shows how the welfare state and its services – schools, health and social care – can help even out the differences once again
#10	Work-life balance: Flexible work arrangements enable parents to successfully combine work and family life. The Nordic countries have a strong tradition of collective bargaining, which has resulted in relatively good working conditions, flexible working hours and the right to paid vacation. Nordic companies offer more flexible working hours than anywhere else in Europe

Checklist for a Nordic Equality Event:

	If an event merely talks about the importance of diversity and equality, it won’t have a long-term impact. Successful events require people who can share specific experiences or unite people with a specific set of actionable goals. The more specific and focused an event is, the better it will be!
	When preparing your invitee list, consider which voices are missing from the event. Give yourself ample time to find ways to include them!
	Take The Pledge against male-only panels. There are no excuses – it’s 2018, folks!
	Think about who will be in the audience – will you need translators? Extra assistance for people with disabilities?
	Choose a time that is most appropriate for your target group. For example, people with children may have a harder time coming to evening or early morning events
	Encourage internal and external feedback on the event to learn about any shortcomings and how to improve for the next time. It’s easy to forget to do this!
	If your event is hosted in another country, be respectful of the local culture
	Make sure that everyone’s voice is heard? Download the GenderEQ app to track people’s voices and get real-time data on what gender gets the most airtime. When the meeting is concluded, the participants can see the ratio over time.
	Make sure to add your event to TheNordics.com and post some photos on Instagram or Twitter using the hashtag #TheNordics

QUOTES TO USE!

- Annika Strandhäll, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Sweden, and chair of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Health and Social Affairs

- Ángel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General

“It’s not mobile phones, cars, or oil that have been the Nordic Region’s primary generator of growth. Gender equality is our most valuable investment.”

- Børge Brende, Former Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs

GET INSPIRED!

Is the Last Mile the Longest? Economic Gains from Gender Equality in Nordic Countries

- Get to know how improvements in gender equality have contributed considerably to economic growth in the Nordic countries.

oedc.org/employment

Action Plan for Nordic Co-operation on Disability

- Learn about how to build a sustainable society in which no one is excluded.

norden.org/actionplan

State of the Nordic Region 2018 Immigration and Integration Edition

- Find out about the different projects that put the New Nordic Kitchen Manifesto into action.

norden.org/nordicregion

Click her to download a full list of suggested reading materials about Nordic food

TWEETS - TO - GO!

Copy, share or just use these tweets for inspiration.

Women in power – Learn about which top governmental positions are held by women in the Nordics: Click here to read more. #equality #governance #TheNordics #empowerment

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About us
Traces of North
Feature stories
Event Calendar
Open Call
Brand Toolbox
Contact us

Equality – The Nordic Way

Equal opportunities – regardless of a citizen’s gender, ethnicity,

religion, belief, functional capacity, age, or sexual orientation

– are cornerstones of the Nordic welfare model.

Equality is an essential part of an inclusive society and

there are always new boundaries to be pushed.

#1 “The Nordic countries have chosen different paths but have had the common goal of giving women and men equal opportunities in working life. Several surveys show that the Nordic region is the world's most gender equal region, and this report shows the great social benefits that go with an effective gender equality policy.” ”		#2 “Gender equality is both a fundamental human right and a key driver of inclusive growth. Nordic countries have moved further along the path to gender equality than most other OECD countries. Closing the remaining gaps would drive further economic and social benefits but will require a renewed commitment.”		#3 “It’s not mobile phones, cars, or oil that have been the Nordic Region’s primary generator of growth. Gender equality is our most valuable investment.”
- Annika Strandhäll, Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Sweden, and chair of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Health and Social Affairs		- Ángel Gurría, OECD Secretary-General		- Børge Brende, Former Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Women in power – Learn about which top governmental positions are held by women in the Nordics: Click here to read more. #equality #governance #TheNordics #empowerment