Nordic approaches to ensure gender equality in the labour market are garnering more and more interest the world over. This think-piece, written by Iselin Løvslett Danbolt, reviews and discusses Nordic approaches to facilitate the often elusive work-family balance. Investments made in care and leave schemes for parents and their children have led to high labour forces participation rates for both women and men, while also ensuring a more equal balance of responsibilities, at work and at home. However, the Nordic labour markets continue to be sex-segregated, with a persistent gender pay gap.

This think-piece raises key points for discussion on gender equality in the Nordic region, giving input into ongoing Nordic cooperation and the International Labour Organization’s Women at Work Centenary Initiative.