The Nordic Ministers for Gender Equality & LGBTI: We vow to never go back
Over the last 50 years, the hard work of political activists and policy makers has made the Nordic region one of the most gender-equal regions in the world. But although the Nordic region has come far in fostering gender-equal, diverse, and inclusive societies, many challenges remain.
Like in many other regions, gender-based violence, economic gender inequality and harmful gender stereotypes are still prevalent. Persisting issues affect both men and women, and the LGBTI community is disproportionately affected by discrimination and violence.
In recent years, gender equality and equal rights for LGBTI people have become increasingly politicized issues. And in many places, hard-won gains in women’s rights and protection of the LGBTI community are being questioned or even actively rolled back.
The Nordic governments promis to keep pushing for progress
The Nordic Ministers for Gender Equality & LGBTI are deeply concerned with the growing regression and push-back against gender equality and equal rights for LGBTI persons, both globally and within the Nordic region.
To reverse these developments, the Nordic governments are now calling for a renewed global commitment with a joint Nordic declaration:
We vow to defend the advancements already made on gender equality and equal rights for LGBTI persons, to never go backwards, and to keep pushing forward for progress.
We shall strive to build lasting, diverse, and representative alliances, to amplify global calls for continued progress, to listen and learn from others, and to always stand up for gender equality and equal rights for LGBTI people. We call on all who are pushing for progress to join us.
The Nordic Ministers for Gender Equality & LGBTI met on 27 November 2024 in Stockholm to discuss the growing global push-back against gender equality and equal rights - and the need for a joint Nordic response.
To the Swedish presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2024, the Nordic countries represent at strong voice in the global arena:
Through Nordic cooperation, we ensure that gender equality takes its rightful place at the heart of our global dialogue. We firmly believe that solutions to global challenges lie in cooperation with others who are also pushing for progress.
As Nordic countries, we are committed to upholding the international frameworks that promote equal rights for women and girls, gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and equal rights for LGBTI persons. Gender equality and equal rights must prevail in all areas of our societies and in all our policy areas
Investing in stronger partnerships
During their meeting in Stockholm on November 27, The Nordic Ministers for Gender Equality & LGBTI met with Director of Family Planning of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Aparajita Ramakrishnan to discuss shared challenges and explore collaborative solutions.
Together, the Nordic governments and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are committed to advancing gender equality and ensuring that women and girls worldwide can fully enjoy their rights.
The Nordic Council of Ministers for Gender Equality and LGBTI and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will allocate 20 million DKK for the period of 2025-2027 to keep pushing for progress and build a strong coalition for gender equality and equal rights for all.
This declaration is a strong example of the Nordic countries’ steadfast leadership on gender equality and sexual reproductive health and rights. It comes at a critical time of stark inequalities that require global action to protect the gains already being made and accelerate progress. When women and girls can prioritize their own health and well-being, earn and manage their own money, decide whether or when they want to have children, and be leaders in their societies, everyone benefits
Aparajita Ramakrishnan, Director of Family Planning, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation adresses the ministers
Aparajita Ramakrishnan, Director of Family Planning, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation adresses the ministers
At the meeting in Stockholm on 27 November 2024, the Nordic Council of Ministers for Gender Equality & LGBTI also met with the Baltic ministers responsible for gender equality to discuss Nordic-Baltic ways to prevent and mitigate gender-based violence.
