During the half-century of Nordic co-operation, its forms have both developed and changed, and since 2020 it has also included the rights of LGBTI* people. What has happened in these 50 years? What was the situation in 1974, are there any events of particular significance, and what can be said about Nordic co-operation and its importance for gender equality work in the Nordic Region?
Nordic Information on Gender, NIKK, has interviewed eight people with different backgrounds and knowledge, asked them to reflect on the past years and also to look ahead. The publication does not claim to be comprehensive. It provides a glimpse into historical events through people who share their knowledge, experience and personal reflections. The interviews focus on themes such as family and welfare policy, sexual and reproductive health and rights, the organisation of gender equality policy and the rights of LGBTI people.
“We hope that this anniversary publication will give those working in the field an opportunity to reflect on the past. To feel proud of the progress that has been made, but also the will and strength to tackle current and future challenges” says Elin Engström, Manager of NIKK.
Over the past 50 years, the hard work of civil society and policy makers has made the Nordic Region one of the most gender-equal regions in the world. But even though gender equality has been prioritised, there are still clear differences in conditions for women, men and LGBTI people in the Nordic Region. Nordic co-operation will therefore continue. Next year, a new co-operation programme in this area will come into force for the period 2025-2030.
NIKK is a co-operation body under the Nordic Council of Ministers, located at the Swedish Secretariat for Gender Research, University of Gothenburg.
*LGBTI is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex. Although the abbreviations used in the various Nordic countries may differ, LGBTI is the acronym used in all official Nordic co-operation as it is equivalent to what is used in other international organisations.
