The attainment of an equal distribution of power and influence between women and men is an important goal of Swedish policy for equality. From an international perspective, Sweden has come a long way with regard to the distribution and redistribution of power between women and men. The equal number of women and men in the Government and the forty per cent share of women in the Swedish Parliament are the result of political will, combined with demands from NGOs and individuals.
Notwithstanding progress that has been made, continued efforts are required in order to increase women's power and influence in all areas of society, within both the private and the public sectors. In Sweden, the Government has limited possibilities for detailed control and direct influence upon developments in this area, apart from cases in which the Government itself appoints persons to governmental posts or in those cases where the Government decides upon employment. An understanding that, in certain cases, increased power for women can only be achieved through a redistribution of power from men to women must, therefore, be disseminated and gain acceptance in society in general.
The Government has a goal that, by 1998, 50 per cent of the members of state boards and committees at central and regional level will be women. In 1996, 39 per cent were women.
Measures 1995 - 1997
The following measures were carried out in order to further the development towards an equal distribution of the sexes in state boards and committees:
* The distribution between men and women in state boards and committees at central and regional level is reported annually to Parliament.
* The various Ministries' proposals for assignments are notified to the Cabinet Office's Equality Affairs Division and the Division has to approve of the proposal in writing prior to the matter being brought before the Government for a decision. When organisations or agencies are offered to be represented on a committee or a state board, they are requested to submit proposals containing two names, a man and a women, for each place offered so that the Government can choose, according to the need to achieve an even distribution between women and men.
* Financial support is given to NGOs and agencies etc. for projects and other efforts to increase the portion of women in various decision-making fora.
Continued measures
* The Government will continue its work to achieve an equal distribution between the sexes on state boards and committees. Special efforts will be made to attain an equal distribution between the sexes in 1998.
* During 1996, the Government granted funds to the Swedish Association of Local Authorities and the Federation of County Councils for a project conducted in three municipalities and two county councils aimed at stimulating more active work towards, inter alia, increased female representation on municipal tribunals and boards. The experience gained from this project will be disseminated throughout the country and an evaluation will be presented prior to the general election to the Swedish Parliament in 1998.
The Government is actively working to achieve an equal distribution between male and female managers within the public sector and is attempting to stimulate the development in this field within the private sector as well.
One target is that, during the Government's present term of office, at least half of the positions as agency managers appointed by it within the public administration, should be awarded to women. The governmental agencies have been encouraged to establish corresponding targets with regard to the distribution of women and men at management level.
Measures 1995 - 1997
* Twice a year, the Government produces statistics regarding the number of women and men employed at different levels within the Cabinet Office. A statistical survey of the pay differences between women and men employed in the Cabinet Office is also published regularly.
* During 1997, Statistics Sweden presented, at the request of the Government, a survey of the portion of women and men serving as managers within the public and private sectors, and their salary levels.
* The State's Renewal Fund has, during the period 1995-1996, carried out a managerial development programme for female managers.
Continued measures
* Work will be intensified towards attaining the goal that at least half of the public agency managers appointed by the Government during its term of office will be women.
* When Statistics Sweden has completed its study, the Government will consider how statistics can be produced on a regular basis regarding the portion of male and female managers within the public administration.
* The Government intends to adopt measures for the promotion of more active work within governmental agencies with regard to the issue of the portion of male and female managers.
* Employers and employees in the state sector will be invited to participate in discussions concerning further measures which might be required in order to intensify the work in recruitment and management issues.
* During 1997, the State's Renewal Fund will continue its work with the managerial development programme for female managers.
* The National Agency for Government Employers is planning a mentor programme for new and future female managers within the state sector.
* The primary responsibility for increasing the portion of women in higher positions in the private sector lies with the representatives of the business community. A newly established foundation, the so-called Business Leadership Academy, which has been established on the initiative of the business sector and with the support of the Government, is undertaking several measures in this respect.
