We keep on fighting
We are approaching the 113th International Women's Day. At that time of year, you may be struck by a burning desire for protest – and feel a sense of endless repetition – when, once again, the lack of equality, unequal pay and too few women in top management spark off the debate.
And in case you start to wonder; yes, there are still fights to win. Just take a look at the annual survey of equality and gender diversity in the Danish labour market published by think tank Equalis last week.
It confirms that the fight is still worth fighting in the labour market in general. For its main conclusion is one of equality stagnation. This applies when examining challenges to well-being, top management representation, stereotypical gender role patterns and gender bias as well as earnings and pension gaps. In these areas, the same bias exists in favour of men as a year ago.
But in the struggle for change, there are also bright spots and signs of progress.
One is a trend towards a more equal distribution of maternity/paternity leave between men and women.
That raises hope. And it is an indication of how we can change structures by acting together through legislation and collective agreements. We can correct the bias slightly.
In that connection, we are proud of last year's collective agreement in which we, together with employers of the sector, took it a step further and extended the paternity period for fathers and co-mothers by 10 weeks to a total of 26 weeks with full pay and pension. A crucial step towards true equality in our sector. The next step should then be collaborating on creating a culture in which the valuable rights are, in fact, exercised – to the benefit of all.
Because culture may also be changed. Simply consider the culture battles fought by women in the financial sector over the years. The right to wear trousers. Sit at the cashier’s desk. Handle bank notes larger than DKK 50. Such culture has only changed because someone chose to speak up.
Therefore, it is also worth noting that the gender balance among young managers in the financial sector is moving in the right direction. It is a sign that we are on the right track.
So regardless of whether you prefer a quiet or a loud protest, one thing is certain. The most important thing we can do to promote equality today is to keep fighting. Recognise that we are not yet there. Say it out loud. And act accordingly. Until we have made the changes we strive to achieve.
Happy 8 March.