Many European countries are faced with economic, demographic and democratic challenges. Low birth rates, low participation of women in the labour market, little or no reconciliation of work, private and family life, pay gaps as well as little or no participation of women in political and economic decision-making are all elements in current and future challenges. Addressing the gender dimension of these issues is vital.
As part of the preparation for the new EEA and Norway grants period 2009-2014, the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norwegian Ministry of Children, Equality and Social Inclusion, and KS, the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities, are hosting an international Conference on Equality in Oslo, 7 - 8 June 2010 at the Soria Moria hotel.
The focus of the conference is equality as a key to economic development and democracy. The conference will provide a forum for exchange of information and knowledge on equality in a national and international perspective. In addition, we hope to promote useful discussions about the advantages of a balanced participation between men and women in an economical, social and demographic perspective.
The conference will also offer a unique opportunity to meet, network, share experiences and information on equality. Through an exchange of methods, policies, experiences and knowledge between different European countries the conference aims at improving the understanding of the relationship between economic development and gender equality
There will be open time for individual meetings on possible projects right after the conference.
Target group/participants
The conference will have a strong presence of political, international and national experts on gender issues. The participants to the conference will be delegates from the 15 beneficiary countries under the EEA and Norway Grants as well as practitioners in relevant governmental institutions and non-governmental organisations.
