This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ decision to establish official co-operation between the Nordic governments on gender equality issues. The forms of Nordic co-operation have evolved and changed over the last half-century, and since 2020 the remit has expanded to include LGBTI rights. Today, the region is united around a broad political platform aimed at improving gender equality and achieving equal rights and opportunities for all.

To make wise choices for the future, it is important to know the history that many of us are building on. That is why Nordic Information on Gender (NIKK), the co-operation body of the Nordic ministers for gender equality, has produced this anniversary publication. We have interviewed eight people with different backgrounds and knowledge and asked them to reflect on the years that have passed and to look ahead.

Over the last 50 years, the hard work of civil society and political activists has made the Nordic Region one of the most gender-equal regions in the world. But we cannot rest on our laurels, and our successes so far must be defended. Although gender equality has been prioritised in the Nordic Region, there are still clear differences in the conditions for women, men and LGBTI people in the Nordic Region. For example, the Nordic countries struggle with both vertically and horizontally gender-segregated labour markets, LGBTI people are subjected to abuse, threats and violence to a greater extent than others and there is still a significant pay gap between women and men.

This is why Nordic co-operation on gender equality and LGBTI issues continues. Next year, a new co-operation programme for the 2025-2030 period will come into force, covering issues such as the gender-segregated labour market, stereotypical norms related to gender, gender identity and sexuality, and gender equality challenges in relation to the green transition.

We hope that this anniversary publication will give those working in the field an opportunity to reflect on the past and feel proud of the progress that has been made so far, but also to inspire the will and vigour needed to tackle current and future challenges.

Read the publication online