Now Europe Is to Learn Swedish Gender Equality

The Swedish Gender Equality Agency and the Agency for Public Management have been tasked by the government to work towards a European standard for what is called more effective gender equality efforts. The aim is to make it easier for companies and authorities to work more systematically with gender equality.

Gender equality between women and men is a fundamental principle of the EU’s work, which means that the gender equality perspective is present in every decision-making and process, both in the public and private sectors. In March this year, the EU adopted its new gender equality strategy for 2026–2030, which emphasizes that a gender perspective should be integrated into all EU policies.

At the same time, there is a lack of a standard for gender equality work adapted to a European context that covers both the private and public sectors. This new assignment is a Swedish initiative and will be carried out in cooperation with the business community and other relevant stakeholders.

“Sweden and Europe are facing major geopolitical challenges. To defend our freedom and prosperity, we must strengthen Swedish and European competitiveness and increase our resilience. In this perspective, gender equality is an obvious success factor. That is why the government is now taking the initiative to work towards the development of a European standard for effective gender equality work together with the business sector,” says Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson (L).

Nina Larsson. Photo: © European Union, 2026, CC BY 4.0

Sweden – Experts on Gender Equality

According to the government, Sweden has extensive experience in conducting long-term gender equality work at the national level and is now taking the initiative for a more equal Europe.

“By using the same types of structures as in established standards for quality and environmental management, gender equality becomes a clearer management issue, with clear goals, measurement, and follow-up in the regular governance of operations,” says Minister for Gender Equality Nina Larsson.

The assignment is to be reported to the Ministry of Employment in connection with the annual report in 2026.