Women and gender equality
Article | Last updated: 06/08/2012 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In many parts of the world, women’s political and economic participation is still very limited. Many women lack control over their own sexuality and fertility or face gender-based violence inside and outside the family. This is not only unfair and in violation of women’s human rights, it also undermines efforts to achieve sustainable development and economic growth. Women’s rights and gender equality are therefore at the core of Norway’s development cooperation and peace and security efforts.
In many parts of the world, women’s political and economic participation is still very limited. Many women lack control over their own sexuality and fertility or face gender-based violence inside and outside the family. This is not only unfair and in violation of women’s human rights, it also undermines efforts to achieve sustainable development and economic growth. Women’s rights and gender equality are therefore at the core of Norway’s development cooperation and peace and security efforts.
Action Plans and Documents
- Report No. 11 to the Storting (2007-2008)
- Action Plan for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in Development Cooperation
- The Norwegian Government's Action Plan for the Implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security
- Women, Peace and Security - Norway's strategic plan 2011-13
- International Conference on Population and Development - ICPD - Programme of Action (Cairo 1994)
- Fourth World Conference on Women - Platform for Action (Beijing 1995)
Useful links
- UN Women
- UN Action
- Social Watch
- World Economic Forum: Global Gender Gap Report
- The Social Institutions and Gender Index (SIGI)
- MDG Monitor: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
- Bridge: Development - Gender
- OECD: Social Institutions & Gender Index
- The World Bank’s World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development
A key element of development policy
Article Last updated: 06/08/2012
The present Government has intensified efforts to promote women’s rights and gender equality. This is in line with its policy platform, which identifies women’s rights and gender equality as a key element of development policy. This is a cross-cutting field that spans all areas for which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible, not just development policy.
Women’s organisations and networks
Article Last updated: 06/08/2012
An active civil society is of crucial importance for true democracy and development. Voluntary organisations and other civil society organisations play an important role by supplementing public-sector services and by mobilising women and raising their awareness.
The Ministry’s efforts to combat conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence
Article Last updated: 21/11/2018
Sexual violence in armed conflict is a serious form of abuse. It is a violation of international law and a major, persistent threat to security. Sexual violence is sometimes used strategically and tactically by armed groups; at other times it forms part of a generally high level of violence. Either way, this type of violence is a widespread threat and a cause of destabilisation, both during and after conflicts.
UN Women
Article Last updated: 19/07/2012
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women – UN Women – was established by the UN General Assembly in July 2010.
CSW: Gender equality and the empowerment of women
Speech/statement Date: 29/02/2012
This statement was delivered by State Secretary of the Ministry Foreign Affairs, Ingrid Fiskaa, during the 56th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York 29th of February 2012.