ligestilling

Ligestilling, or gender equality, is the principle that people of all genders should have equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities. It spans political, economic, social, and cultural life and includes recognition of non-binary and diverse gender identities.

Achieving ligestilling involves removing discrimination, expanding access to education and employment, ensuring equal pay for equal work, providing family leave and affordable child care, and protecting individuals from gender-based violence. It also requires challenging stereotypes, transforming institutions, and ensuring participation in decision making.

Measurement relies on indicators such as the gender pay gap, representation of women and non-binary people in politics and business leadership, labor force participation, and educational attainment across fields, as well as access to health services and safety from violence.

Policy tools include anti-discrimination laws, pay transparency, quotas or targets for representation, parental and paternity leave, childcare subsidies, and programs to support women and minority gender groups in the workforce. Societies differ in pace and emphasis, with some adopting comprehensive welfare policies and others focusing on targeted reforms.

Global practice ranges from the Nordic model of generous welfare and parental leave to other regions implementing pay-equity legislation, gender-responsive budgeting, and educational reforms to encourage STEM participation.

Challenges persist, including entrenched gender norms, occupational segregation, unpaid care work, violence, and digital divides. Progress requires coordinated action among government, business, civil society, and communities, along with continuous monitoring and adaptation of policies.