PHM-Exch> Equal power to shape society and one's own life - The Swedish Government's gender equality policy

[Claudio Schuftan]

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*Equal power to shape society and one’s own life*

*The Swedish Government’s gender equality policy 2010–2014

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*14 August 2012 - Ministry of Education and Research*

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

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“….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.

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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*

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“…..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.

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“…..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.

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“….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:****

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- *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……”

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*Content

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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

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This message from the Pan American Health Organization, PAHO/WHO,
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