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16. mars 2015 Félags- og vinnumarkaðsráðuneytið

Umræðufundur ráðherra jafnréttismála á Norðurlöndunum 

Commemorating the Beijing agreement – The role of men in Gender Equality

Madam/Mr. Chair,

In January, this year, Iceland had the opportunity to build on its commitment to involve men in the discussion on gender equality by hosting the Barbour shop-conference – here at the United Nations Headquarters. Held in cooperation with the Republic of Suriname, the point of departure for the event was the idea that gender equality will be achieved only with the shared efforts of both women and men.

Building on the He for She campaign, memorably launched by the actress Emma Watson in 2014, the conference successfully revealed that there is a need for motivating and mobilizing men to work for gender equality – through participation and a joint commitment.

Now, as we commemorate the 20thanniversary of the Beijing platform for action, it is appropriate to remember the important commitments put forth in the Beijing declaration. In that respect I especially remind you of the commitment to ensure full implementation of the human rights of women and girls as an integral part of human rights. I also name the commitment to the empowerment and advancement of women securing them the possibility of realizing their full potential in society.

These commitments, along with others, help sharpen the objectives for gender equality in all societies. They raise the question we are responsible for answering – the question being: How do we achieve these objectives, - or more precisely, how do we achieve gender equality?

Through meetings and discussions like these here today we are answering to this responsibility – confronting the challenges and seeking answers by learning from the different efforts and approaches employed by the participating countries.

Like the Beijing declaration the Icelandic Gender Equality Act has clear aims. And, the Act outlines methods which the legislator sees most suitable for reaching these aims. Most notably through the safeguarding of the rights of individuals, within a framework adopted and accepted by both the private and public sector – government and citizens.

For example, we utilize tools of gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting and require workplaces to have gender equality action plans. A National Bureau is in charge of administering the Act, monitoring it´s application. In addition a Gender Equality Complaints Committee examines cases and delivers rulings in instances of suspected violations of the Act. But this is not enough – we must also work simultaneously on many different levels to examine attitudes fostering negative stereotypes regarding the roles of women and men, thus focusing our efforts towards education and challenging attitudes in society.

Madam/Mr. Chair,

 Our efforts must include the promotions of ideas that build an understanding of the proven benefits of gender equality. Through education, information and public debate gender equality becomes more than just work within organizations and existing structures – Gender equality becomes a testament of our values and ideas, calling for the participation of all citizens.

Clearly, however, ideas will not change and progress will not be sustained unless both men and women take part in the debate. In Iceland, the issue of men and equality has been on the agenda for some time. Already in 1991, government established a committee tasked to report on the changing role of men's participation within the family and division of labour in the home. The need for this debate was in no small part motivated by very high labour force participation of women in Iceland.

Later, in 1996, government appointed a panel of men assigned the task to put forth suggestions on how to get men involved in the issues of gender equality. It is safe to say that the panel's ideas about the role of fathers were progressive and had an effect on the introduction of the Icelandic parental leave Act, at the turn of the millennium, securing men and women the equal rights to parental leave. This system has proved to be a true success and when in full effect close to 90% of fathers used the opportunity to stay at home with their children.

In 2013 – a new men's panel delivered results of work focused on ways to get men more actively involved in the discussion of gender equality. The panel addressed several topics, among them: “Men and violence” -, “Care policy”-, “Education” “Gender segregation of labour” and “Men's health and quality of life”.

Time does not allow discussing recommendations under each of these topics. But worth mentioning is the re-accruing theme of Quality of life, infiltrating the panel's suggestions in all areas/on all fronts. Defined as the general well-being of individuals and societies, the panel highlighted several areas of society were both men and women stand to gain by changes leading to more gender equality. To name only a three:

Firstly, the gender segregation of education and the labour market – prevents men from realizing careers within sectors dominated by women. In the year 2015 it remains harder for a man to be accepted as e.g. a kindergarten teacher, than it is for a woman to be accepted as e.g. an engineer. The panel recommends a strategy to counter this gender segregation, looking specifically at the role of the institutions of education.

Second, is the issue of men's equal right to child-custody and care This was first brought up by the men's rights movement, and is ultimately a question of acknowledging men's fundamental right of knowing and caring for the welfare of their children. The panel urges government to safeguard the rights of fathers to use their paternity leave, in addition to helping to reinforce the notion that it is to be expected that fathers share responsibility of care.

Third, is violence against women – one of the most pressing issues of gender equality, and one which will not be eradicated unless men make a stance and actively denounce it. Violence is a gendered issue. When looking at violence in general and convictions and incarcerations across countries, numbers tell a story that should be recognized. Experience, moreover, is revealing that responsibility will not be taught through the penal system alone – making the case for reform rather than retribution.

In other words, and to repeat, what we must aim for is: (1) A labour market – that does not label people as extraordinary when pursuing work within a chosen field.  (2) A care policy that accepts the rights of fathers to know and care for their children.  (3) An approach to gender based violence that looks at therapy proven to help perpetrators and protect victims – rather than looking at prisons as a solution.

– these are only three examples were changes not only lead to more gender equality, but certainly have the potential to increase the quality of life for both men and women.

Madam/Mr. Chair,

 The world economic forum's Global Gender Gap Report from 2014 benchmarks gender gaps of 136 countries on economic, political, education- and health-based criteria. Findings show that Iceland continues to be at the top of the overall rankings for the sixth consecutive year. Although the gap has not been closed, we like to think that our standings reflect a society committed to the equal participation of both women and men.

The commitments put forth in the Beijing declaration, the promotion and protection of women's rights and empowerment of women in all societies, require a political strategy that also mobilizes men in changing gender relations. Therefore, a distinct focus on the involvement of men in gender equality work will remain among the many important methods used to advance the development of gender equality in Iceland.

Thank you

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