The Gender Equality Experience

Is there a connection between the fact that Norwegian men change diapers, and the fact that Norway is one of the richest countries in the world? When discussing gender equality issues, we often refer to what's ethical, moral and fair. But there is another argument that needs to be addressed – economics.

This is why we invited international students from all over the world to apply for an experience of a lifetime, the Gender Equality Experience. Out of 785 applicants, we choose six bright and motivated students from China, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, Russia, and the US, for an exciting and challenging week, focusing on the financial gains of gender equality and how we do it here in the far North – one of the most gender equal countries in the world.

Throughout the week the students met up with leading politicians from the government and business representatives to discuss gender equality and the economic benefits. They had workshops with an organisation called She got this, which focuses on data-driven and research-based efforts to increase gender balance in corporations. The students also got to spend a whole day with modern Norwegian men on parental leave, to understand and get their perspective on the importance of shared parental leave, both for families and for society as a whole.

The Gender Equality Conference

The week’s big finale was The Gender Equality Conference that took place on International Women’s Day, 8th of March, where we invited eminent speakers to talk about the economic benefits of gender equality for our six international guests and all of our BI students.

We were exceptionally proud to have Former U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, join our discussion as the keynote speaker.

Conference highlights

In addition to Secretary Clinton, we also invited eminent speakers from the business world, politicians and our own academic staff to talk about gender equality from different points of view.

Is gender equality profitable? Why and how? What political incentives can stimulate gender equality in the work force? What can businesses and industries do to contribute to a sustainable economy? These are only a few of the question we tapped into during the day.

Stream the entire conference, and learn why women generate more wealth than oil. Enjoy and get inspired!

Deciding where to study is a big decision.

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.