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Pay Equity in the Nordic region


The aim of the project is to contribute to reducing the pay gaps that still exist between women and men in the Nordic countries, by creating dialogue between the countries and the social partners on how to move forward and achieve success, based on current measures, experience and knowledge. To do this, the project will take a closer look at the experiences and knowledge available and at actions being carried out or recently taken to close the gap.

During the pandemic, the exchange of experiences between the Nordic countries was limited on this issue. New national commissions, committees and working groups with different mandates are now operating in several of the countries. The project aims to gather experiences and knowledge from the countries to promote Nordic dialogue and enable joint efforts for a gender-equal working life.

A crucial question is whether the focus on equal pay (equal pay for the same or similar work) has brought the Nordic countries to a point where we need to emphasise equal pay for work of equal value instead. The focus will be on work of a different nature, but with the same/similar knowledge and skills requirements, responsibilities and effort requirements. Work of ‘equal value’ includes, but goes beyond ‘equal work’. Equal pay for work of equal value covers not only cases where women and men perform the same or similar work but also the situation where they perform different work.

The overall aim of the project is to promote dialogue and exchange of experiences and knowledge on how to tackle the pay gap, between the Nordic countries and the social partners. This will be done by:

  • obtaining an updated overview of national initiatives and ongoing work related to the gender pay gap
  • establishing collaboration with relevant Nordic actors involved in labour market issues and the fight against the gender pay gap
  • strengthen exchanges in the field of equal pay, equal work and job evaluation, and fill knowledge gaps and build alliances in the Nordic countries
  • create a dialogue on how to move forward and reduce the gender pay gap with a focus on knowledge and experience-based ideas by organising meetings and events and documenting the work done.

Project timespan
2023-2024

Commissioned by
Nordic Council of Ministers

Contact
Jimmy Sand

Project budget
1 500 000 DKK