Welfare and Gender Equality

Gender equality: We have made great progress on gender equality in the Nordic Region, but we still face major challenges – such as human trafficking and a labour market divided on gender lines. Gender equality is a key part of the Nordic identity, and co-operation in this area is based on shared traditions. The Nordic countries and autonomous territories have many common features and similar issues, but at the same time gender equality policy varies in the different countries.

Health: Nordic co-operation in the Social Security and Health Care sector is based on common values which form the foundation of the Nordic welfare model. Increasing the conditions for good public health helps to improve prosperity in the Region.

The Nordic Welfare Model: Unlike the rest of Europe, the Nordic societies are based on a common set of basic values. They may not all approach welfare provision in exactly the same way, but the similarities between the countries are sufficient to constitute a recognisable “Nordic welfare model”. The countries also face the same challenges in the future. Nordic co-operation facilitates the sharing of experiences across national borders and contributes to social innovation in the Region.