Early on, the Nordic Ministers for Gender Equality have jointly stressed the importance of measures to prevent the coronavirus crisis from becoming a gender equality crisis. Which initiatives have been taken to prevent that and what do we know about gender equality effects of COVID-19 today – one year later? NIKK’s new publication Gender equality effects of COVID-19 – Knowledge and initiatives in the Nordic summarises knowledge produced thus far in the Nordic coun­tries and brings together the gender equality initiatives and measures that the Nordic countries have initiated in relation to the pandemic. In focus are areas such as domestic violence, the economy and working life, and mental health.

– The pandemic has shown and worsened many aspects of inequalities. We see urgent gender equality effects and measures based on the knowledge that exists are needed, says Elin Engström.

The Nordic countries have many similarities when it comes to how their labour markets and welfare systems are organised. But these countries also differ, in particular regarding how they have dealt with the pandemic. The new publication brings together what we know, and how the Nordic countries are working to deal with the crisis from a gender equality perspective.

– Increased knowledge can help us to prepare better. By learning from each other, the Nordic countries can equip themselves better now and when faced with future crises. That is why we have produced this publication, says Elin Engström.

Gender equality effects of COVID-19 – Knowledge and initiatives in the Nordic countries is based on data from the Nordic countries as well as interviews with researchers and experts. The publication is available here.