Words: Liz Bennett (she/her)
CW: gender-based violence
We often hear about Scandinavia’s wonderful success when it comes to gender equality. In 2023, Iceland, Norway, Finland, and Sweden were in the top 5 highest ranked countries in the global gender gap index, while the UK occupied the 15th position. Gender equality progress in Nordic countries goes back in history. Finland was the first country in Europe to give women the right to vote in 1906; the world’s first female members of parliament were elected in Finland the following year.
But what is it that they are actually doing? And what can we learn from them? Let’s look at some of the progressive approaches to gender equality up North.
While the UK offers generous maternity leave, its 2-week paternity leave is limited compared to 12 weeks in Sweden. Scandinavian countries, known for their strong parental leave policies, promote gender equality and familial well-being through generous paid leave, quality childcare, and flexible work arrangements. In Iceland, for example, universal childcare policies allow both parents 90 days of leave, alleviating the childcare burden which often falls on mothers. In Norway, childcare is subsidised, and a mandatory 15-week leave for both parents is in place. In Sweden, universal access to parental leave ensures inclusivity, even for those without other income-related benefits.
These policies have had a huge impact on parental participation in childcare. They’ve reduced work-family conflicts, and encouraged higher female workforce retention. Whilst childcare is stereotypically gendered, Scandinavia is actively working against this. Lucile, a 32-year-old Norwegian woman and mother explains: ‘I love the fact that men are “forced” to take part in the leave because there are 15 weeks the men need to take – if not they will disappear. This forces some men […] to take their part.’
Who is in the best position to decide for women? Well, the answer is women themselves. This is why gender quotas in politics and business are also crucial when it comes to a more equal society. Norway paved the way in 2003 and mandated 40% gender representation on corporate boards and in parliament. This success inspired similar policies across Europe, including Iceland. This led to higher representation of women in leadership roles and more gender balance across industries and decision-making bodies.
However, this is a work-in-progress which requires a push from all sides: cultural, educational, and societal. Hannah (23) from Sweden explains that ‘it’s not because there is a space made for women that they are always accepted in it. Some men will say a woman got a position because of the quota instead of qualifications’. It is clear that mentalities still need to evolve in this regard.
Equal pay is not just about wages – it’s about fairness in opportunity, and breaking down barriers that perpetuate gender inequality. All Nordic countries have implemented Equal Pay Acts, which legally require employers to pay men and women equally for work of equal value. Iceland even introduced a bill which requires employers to prove that men and women are paid equally for the same work, reflecting Iceland’s long-standing commitment to workplace fairness.
While Nordic countries have exemplary gender equality policies, a gap sometimes exists between policy and implementation. True change requires a cultural shift. The Swedish government refers to ‘women and men’, as opposed to ‘men and women’, to help shift away from patriarchal norms. Nordic countries view gender equality as a shared responsibility, and challenge harmful masculine norms that ultimately disadvantage both genders.
Nordic countries are adopting a more holistic approach to gender equality by integrating it into wider policy-making. Finland, for example, encourages officials to assess new policies through a gender lens, asking questions like – “Does this policy affect people’s lives differently based on gender?” This approach helps ensure policies are equitable and consider the diverse needs of both women and men.
When it comes to gender violence, however, we must note that Finland (48%), Iceland (42%), Denmark (42%), Norway (42%), and Sweden (37%) are all among the top 10 countries globally in regards to violence or harassment at work. Each country recorded well above the global average of 21%. Gender equality is never something to take for granted and remains a constant struggle, especially in times of rising right-wing support and populism.
While Nordic gender equality initiatives offer valuable insights, no universal gender equality blueprint exists. Tailoring policies to specific local contexts is essential, considering factors like welfare systems, labour markets, and governmental structures. Despite their high rankings, Nordic countries often overlook intersectionality. Gender equality must consider the overlapping impacts of factors like race, disability, and class to recognize the diverse experiences of individuals.
Gender equality is both a local and transnational fight. Lucile told GUM ‘As a feminist, I am proud of Norway, and when I do the women’s rights march, I mostly walk for women in other countries that do not have the same opportunities as I do.’
SOURCES:
https://www.statista.com/statistics/244387/the-global-gender-gap-index
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1907_Finnish_parliamentary_election
https://www.statista.com/topics/9893/women-in-the-nordic-countries/#topicOverview
https://myjms.mohe.gov.my/index.php/ijaref/article/view/27089
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03468755.2021.2023035
https://wrp.lrfoundation.org.uk/sites/default/files/2024-06/LRF_2021_report_safe-at-work.pdfhttps://www.pwc.co.uk/press-room/press-releases/research-commentary/2024/the-uk-suffers-the-largest-annual-fall-in-ranking-on-pwc-s-women.html#:~:text=Scotland%20jumped%20from%20third%20place,falling%20two%20places%20from%2010th.
A brief, to the point and well written summary that tells us that whatever hopes we have for women’s rights in the Scandinavian countries, even there the patriarchal model remains alive and kicking, and in the present circumstances, as you rightfully point out, women remain confronted with an uphill battle for male (and sometimes female) acknowledgement of their rightful place. So much tiresome and unnecessary energy wasted on things that ought to be self-evident.
I would have dwelt a little more on their historically deeply embedded subconscious fears of their own shortcomings and the lack of confidence that in my view too many women feel.
Signed your Dad