The 'paradox' of working in the world's most equal countries

The 'paradox' of working in the world's most equal countries Getty Images When Bolette Wrestroem moved back to Denmark after spending most of her twenties overseas, she was excited to experience the “gender equality” for which the Nordic region is globally famous. “I think it will take quite a lot of time - another 50 years at least - until we get there - and that is only if we keep working at it.” Bolette Wrestroem For Bolette Wrestroem, Denmark’s global image as a leader in gender equality “didn’t always match up” with the reality in the workplace Glass ceilings Strong progress has been made in the public sector; in Sweden more women than men currently hold management positions in this sphere. “I don’t think it’s about choice, it’s about structures … to say it’s about choice is to ‘blame the victim’,” says Anneli Häyren at the Centre for Gender Research at Uppsala University. “Research suggests it is often a strategic decision not to apply for certain roles…Women do want, but they realise that they won’t get it.” Getty Images The employment rate for women in the Nordic region is 72%, compared to an average of 59% across developed western countries When it comes to pay, the difference between gross average hourly earnings of male and female employees in Denmark, Iceland and Norway is only slightly below the EU average of 16% Work-life balance Juggling a career with family life remains a challenge for some women in the Nordics, despite policies like subsidised childcare and flexible working hours encouraging couples to share parenting. “I would say no-one knows the answers, so we need to try different things, readjust and think of something new if it doesn’t work.” Maddy Savage Charlotte Sundåker and Linda Waxin launched thinktank Ownershift, which aims to broaden discussion around greater gender equality through ownership Finding role models On a political level, all the Nordic governments are working to tackle the gender gap.