Nordic ministers stress fatherhood, care

The Nordic ministers for gender equality on Thursday held a video conference where they focused on the theme of fatherhood and care and advancing it during Finland’s presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2021.

Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality Thomas Blomqvist represented Finland at the meeting, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

Fatherhood and equal parenting will be among the main themes of Nordic work on gender equality next year. The ministers will discuss the theme based on the ‘State of Nordic Fathers’ report published in November 2019.

The report showed that care responsibilities are unevenly distributed in families and that outdated stereotypes are still associated with parenting and care.

“By taking active part in parenting, fathers can forge strong links with their children while fulfilling the right of their children to two present parents,” said Blomqvist.

The ministers decided on launching a Nordic research project on sexual harassment at work. Sexual harassment is a major problem in all Nordic countries, and more information is needed, especially on sexual harassment at work.

The ministers decided what matters the Nordic Council of Ministers will be promoting concerning gender and sexual minorities.

They also decided to include an addition on LGBTI work to the Nordic co-operation programme on gender equality.