Investment in research on sexual harassment in the labour market
At their meeting on 5 November 2020, the Nordic ministers for gender equality agreed on how the three-year research project is to be implemented. Of the funding, DKK 3.6 million will be awarded by way of two open calls in 2021 to fund pan-Nordic research collaboration.
Emphasis on preventative efforts
The venture will help to develop new knowledge on sexual harassment in the Nordic labour market, with an emphasis on preventative measures.
The ministers for gender equality want the results of the research to serve as a solid knowledgebase for national and Nordic policy development.
This investment is also of relevance to all labour market players.
Major issue for society
The ministers for gender equality discussed the political follow-up to #metoo, a movement which Swedish minister Åsa Lindhagen described as game-changing:
“The #metoo movement has been hugely important and raised awareness among the wider public of just how big a problem sexual harassment is in society. Women, girls, and non-binary people should be able to feel safe in their schools, universities, and workplaces,” she said.
Gaps in knowledge found
The decision of the ministers for gender equality is based on a feasibility study recently conducted by NIKK, Nordic Information on Gender.
The feasibility study “Sexually harassed at work – a Nordic research overview” was published in May 2020.
The report provides current knowledge on sexual harassment in the Nordic labour market and points out where there are gaps in knowledge.
