Let me start off by writing that I love being an American citizen. There’s no place in the world that I would rather live (that’s why I’m here!). However, I think that growth is important – both in individuals and societies. Recently, I was invited to a “Gender Equality as a Competitive Advantage” seminar hosted by the Norwegian Consulate General and Innovation Norway which coincided with the 53rd Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Unfortunately due to prior commitments, I was not able to attend. I did request some insights that the U.S. government could take from Norway in regards to treatment of moms. (Save the Children’s 2008 Mothers’ Index had listed Norway as the #2 “Best place to be a mother”. The U.S. wasn’t even in the Top 10.) Norway is also ranked #1 in the 2008 World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report. The U.S. ranked 27th. Below are some of the Norwegian policies and legislation that promote family and gender equality:
-Parental leave and benefits: Parents are entitled to a total of one year’s leave when they have a child (parental leave), each of them also has the right to a further year’s leave. Parental leave is paid for 44 weeks with 100 per cent pay or 54 weeks
-Day-care centers: In Norway, parents do not have a legal right to a place in a day-care center, but the municipality has a statutory obligation to provide enough day-care places. One of the highest profile political goals in recent years has been to achieve full day-care coverage of high quality and at a low price for parents.
-Flexibility in working life: Flexibility at work is crucial. A new Working Environment Act entered into force on January 1, 2006. An employee with small children has the right to flexible working hours, reduced working hours and to be exempt from overtime.
-Care benefits when children are sick: If children under the age of 12 are sick, each of the parents is entitled to up to ten days of paid leave per year.
-The Gender Equality Act: The Act prohibits all discrimination on grounds of gender, but is aimed particularly at strengthening the position of women. It applies in all areas of society. The provision in the Act concerning representation of both sexes on official committees, etc. has been an important prerequisite for women’s participation in public governance and a precursor for similar provisions relating to representation on boards of directors of limited companies, etc.
-Gender representation in boards: Public companies: at least 40% representation of both genders. (January, 2004). Public limited companies (ASA) at least 40% representation of both genders (January 2008)
Which of the above practices would you love to see implemented in the U.S.?