Equality in Norway

Equality in Norway

• Short history introduction of Norway.

• Some «bits and pieces» from Norwegian laws

• A little bit of statistics

Brief history lesson…• Norway was governed by Denmark (the King

of Denmark was the head of both countries) for more than 400 years but in 1814 was lost to Sweden in the Napoleon war.

• A few eager Norwegians managed to seize the opportunity of freedom from Denmark and wrote a constitution in less than one month

(May 17, 1814)

…Brief history lesson…

• Although Norway was still under the reign of Sweden until 1905 (from 1814-1905) this union was looser than the one with Denmark and Norway was able to decide on their domestic affairs. Foreign affairs were decided by Sweeden.

• 1905 – the union with Sweden was dissolved and Norway became an independent nation with its own Constitution.

• Norway is only 109 years young

200 years anniversary: 1814-2014

May 17, 2014: Norway celebrates the 200th year anniversary of

the Norwegian constitution.

Equality in Norway

• 1913: All women were given same rights to vote as men.

• 2013: Norway celebrates 100 years of full equality between men and women.

Equality in Norway

• Traditionally, women had a strong voice in Norway….• Lots of farmers and fishermen – the women had to

participate and make decisions.• No «royalty» and few «rich» people (traditionally).• 1900 – factory workers

• After WWII to the 70’s most women stayed at home.

• Now, most women work and only take maternity leave and return to work afterwards.

Some significant parts from Norwegian laws….

• Working Environment Act

• Gender Equality Act

• Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act

Working Environment Act

• «If an employee suffers reduced capacity for work as a result of an accident, sickness, fatigue or the like, the employer shall, as far as possible, implement the necessary measures to enable the employee to retain or be given suitable work.

• The employee shall preferably be given the opportunity to continue his normal work, possibly after special adaptation of the work wor working hours.

Pregnancy/childbirth/bringing up children

• A pregnant employee is entitled to leave of absence with pay in connection with prenatal examinations.

• A pregnant employee is entitled to leave of absence for up to 12 weeks during pregnancy.

• In connection with childbirth, the father is entitled to two weeks’ leave of absence in order to assist the mother.

Pregnancy/childbirth/bringing up children

• Maternity leave: After giving birth, the mother the mother is entitled to leave of absence for the first six weeks.

• Parental leave: Parents are entitled to leave of absence for a total of 12 months. Parental benefits are paid by the National Insurance.

• Caring for a sick child: All employees are entitled to leave of absence when necessary to attend a sick child, follow the child to medical examination or to stay with the child if the daily childcare is sick.

• At our school: Timetables are adjusted to teachers with small children)

Daddy club

Gender Equality Act (Likestillingsloven)

• Direct or indirect differential treatment of women and men is not permitted.

• Cannot place a woman in a worse position than what she had due to pregnancy or childbirth.

• Cannot place a woman or man in a worse position than what they had due to her or his rights to take leave of absence that are reserved for a mother or father.

Gender Equality Act (Likestillingsloven)

•Equal pay for work of equal value…•Equal right to education…•Gender-based harassment and sexual harassment are not permitted…•(«unwelcome conduct that is related to a person’s gender and unwelcome sexual attention that is offensive to the object of such attention» )

Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act (diskriminering- og tilgjengelighetsloven)

• Prohibits direct and indirect discrimination based on ethnicity, national origin, family background, skin color, language, religion and belief.

Anti-Discrimination and Accessibility Act (2009)

• Disability equality: • All people with reduced disability have the same

rights as previously mentioned in the Equality Act.

• Work places shall be organized so that people with disabilities can participate,

• Public and private companies shall be organized in such a way that people with disabilities can access the facilities.

«The ideal world – reality is quite different….

Some statistics…..• Norway: 5 096 000 inhabitants• Unemployment rate: 3,5%• 66% of women are employed• 70% of men are employed• More than 40% of women work part-time

(men 15%)• 7/10 people in the public sector are women

(2009)

Child care «for all»

Traditional choices already in high schools (number of females in various occupational

training as well as general studies)

Equality for men• High divorce rate in Norway• Men have equal right to the children – the law says

50/50.• Often children stay one week with Mom and one week

with Dad.• Other solutions is also possible.• If parents live in different cities, Mom must also pay

for transport when child visits the other parent.• Property is often sold and parents move into smaller

places. If one parent can afford to keep the original house, he/she must have independent economy to keep the house.

Short summary…

• Laws in Norway have strong regulations to ensure quality among all.

• Reality is different; however the laws help to keep up a standard (a goal/vision?)

• Traditional choices are still made.• Some men call for gender discrimination the

other way around – (saying they have to adjust too much to women)

• At last: A few curiosities….

Separate classes for men (elementary school education)

CEO/Managing director and Heartbreaker

Princess and «One Eyed Jack»

Thank you! Enjoy your stay in Bergen!

Working Environment Act (Arbeidsmiljøloven)