Government Action Plan for Gender Equality 2008–2 011 . Helsinki 2008, 52 pp. (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Publications, ISSN 1236-2050; 2008:21)
ISBN 978-952-00-2652-3 (pb), ISBN 978-952-00-2653-0 (PDF)

The Government Resolution on the Government Action Plan for Gender Equality 2008–2011 compiles and coordinates the measures by which the Government promotes the equality between women and men. The action plan consists of thematic entities that implement the key gender equality priorities in the Government Programme. The action plan aims at promoting the realisation of gender mainstreaming, bridging gender pay gaps, promoting women’s careers, alleviating segregation, increasing gender awareness in schools, improving reconciliation of work and family life, reducing violence against women, reinforcing resources for gender equality work, and drawing up a Government report on gender equality.

The implementation of the action plan requires broad-based commitment of the Government to the promotion of gender equality. The action plan was drawn up in cooperation with all the ministries on the basis of the Government Programme and the guidelines decided in the Cabinet evening session on 7 November 2007. Each ministry answers for the implementation of action plan within its sector. A joint working group of the ministries will be appointed for the implementation and follow-up. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health coordinates the action plan.

Key words: gender equality, gender, gender mainstreaming, wage differentials, career development, segregation, working life, reconciliation of work and family life, parental leaves, violence against women