[EQ] Equal power to shape society and one's own life - The Swedish Government's gender equality policy

Equal power to shape society and one’s own life

The Swedish Government’s gender equality policy 2010–2014

14 August 2012 - Ministry of Education and Research

Available online PDF [16P.] at: http://bit.ly/RQBVZO

“….The struggle for gender equality has a long history and widespread support in Sweden. In the 1900s we progressed and made a lot of achievements - but plenty still remains to be done. As already mentioned gender equality policy today is about tearing down barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for women and men, for girls and boys. This is done by changing norms and attitudes that restrain people from becoming who and what they want to be. Every person has a right to the same opportunity to develop and shape their own life, without being confronted with obsolete perceptions about gender.

One of the most important tasks is to improve equality in the labour force, schools and the business sector. Other urgent challenges involve combating men's violence against women, honour-related violence and oppression, and prostitution and human trafficking for sexual purposes….” press release

“…..Gender equality between men and women, girls and boys, is about tearing down barriers, creating opportunities and changing norms and attitudes that hold people back. Every girl and boy should have the same opportunity to grow and develop without being restrained by violence, preconceptions or injustices.

“…..Gender equality is a right in line with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The overall objective of the Swedish gender equality policy, which is to promote an equal distribution of power and resources, is that women and men are to have the same power to shape society and their own lives.

“….The Government’s objectives for gender equality and high economic growth go hand in hand. Gender equality contributes to economic growth by promoting and making use of people’s skills and creativity. If women’s labour market participation and pay were the same as men’s, it would have a significant impact on the GDP.

The following objectives indicate the direction of the Government’s gender equality policy:

 

- Equal division of power and influence

  Women and men must have the same rights and opportunities to be active citizens and to shape the conditions for decision-making.

- Economic equality

  Women and men must have the same opportunities and conditions for education and paid work that provides lifelong economic independence.

- Equal distribution of unpaid housework and provision of care

  Women and men must have the same responsibility for housework and have the opportunity to give and receive care on equal terms.

- An end to men’s violence against women

  Women and men, girls and boys, must have the same right and opportunity to physical integrity……”

Content

Foreword

Gender equality policy

Equal power to shape society and one’s own life

Power and influence

Economic equality

Unpaid housework and provision of care

An end to men’s violence against women

Gender mainstreaming as a strategy

Gender equality in international cooperation

Gender equality central in development cooperation

Follow-up aids development

Gender disaggregated statistics reveal differences

 

KMC/2012/HSS
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