When talking about gender equality, it is not just about cheering for equal rights and justice (although that is very important), it’s also about national prosperity and financial gain.
Like the late, great Kofi Annan once said:
"Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance".
Norway is considered to be one of the most gender equal countries in the world. That does not mean that it is without issues, or areas to improve. But it means that this small and cold country in the North is doing something right. Study in Norway and be a part of a diverse, inclusive, and free society.
In the autumn of 2015, the UN launched 17 sustainability targets to eradicate poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change. One of the goals is about equality and strengthening of the position of girls and women:
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world. Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large.
A recent report by the World Economic Forum found that it would take 108 years to reach gender equality at the current pace of social and economic change. Therefore, we have no time to lose.
We invited six students from all over the world, to Stand Out and Go North – to learn about the resource that is more profitable than oil – women! We also invited Former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, to join our conference.
Changing culture, people’s values, or making big social changes is not done by regulation, policies or by writing new laws alone, but it is a way to facilitate and ensure that changes are possible. So, we know now that society as a whole has a lot to gain financially from women being active in working life. We also know that having children is one of the biggest challenges to making work life gender equal.
The Norwegian welfare system has been a pioneer in parental leave arrangements, making it possible for both mothers and fathers to care for their children at home. This gives families greater flexibility to choose who’s staying home and who’s working. This is not only strengthening women’s career opportunities, but also strengthening father’s rights to care for their families the way they choose to. In Norway both women and men are entitled to 15 weeks of parental leave each. The remaining 16 weeks can be divided between them in the way that suits the family situation. 70% of men in Norway use their entire quota.
These political regulations are some of the incentives the Norwegian government use to drive positive social, environmental and economic influence. By studying in Norway you will become a part of a strong, free and gender equal society.
Stand out. Go North.
Moving to a new country to study is even bigger. There are many good reasons to choose Norway and BI Norwegian Business School, and you can find some of them below.
Forget about the beautiful fjords and mountains or the attractive job market. Learn why you should really choose to study in Norway!
Why study in Norway?
You should choose BI because you want an education that prepares you for the real business challenges you will face in future positions.
Why choose BI?
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