Gender and power

In the Nordic countries, there is currently a relatively extensive knowledge basis within gender and gender equality research, focussing on gender representation and power structures within politics and business. However, the research material has not, to any large extent, been compiled and analysed from a comprehensive Nordic perspective, or by means of a comparative approach. The power studies that have been conducted in several of the Nordic countries show both a general tendency that the proportion of women decreases at higher levels in the hierarchy, and variation between sectors, for example, in that representation is more gender-equal within politics than business. The project focuses on these two central areas of decision-making. While the development of gender equality is rather advanced within politics in the Nordic countries, it is less so within the world of business, and a comparison of the opportunities and barriers in these two areas will therefore be important.

Commissioned by the Nordic Gender Equality Ministers NIKK carries out a project on gender and power in the Nordic countries during 2008-2009. According to the task outlined by the Committee of Senior Officials for Gender Equality, the purpose of the project is to produce knowledge to support the political decision-making process and to emphasize gender equality measures that influence the mechanisms behind structural power. The project is also to improve the understanding of what the concepts of gender and power mean among those who prepare and formulate gender equality policies. Another important aim of the project is to identify and illuminate opportunities for improved gender balance in decision-making bodies and for more space for political action in relation to increased gender equality.